Ex-Iloilo mayor acquitted in road project anomaly

MANILA, Philippines — Former Igbaras, Iloilo mayor Jaime Esmeralda has been cleared of graft for allegedly failing to implement the rehabilitation of two roads in the town in 2004.

In a recent decision, the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division said the prosecution failed to support allegations of conspiracy between Esmeralda and his co-accused.

Also acquitted were former municipal treasurer Cynthia Cabañero, Esmeralda’s secretary Pio Elumba as well as private individuals Edwin Romualdo of E.S. Romualdo Construction and Arthur Go of Supply and South Pacific Builders Center Inc.

In a complaint filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2008, the former officials were accused of not implementing the project despite the local government’s receipt of P1 million in financial assistance from the office of Sen. Franklin Drilon.

The ombudsman said the accused gave unwarranted benefits to Romualdo and Go for payments amounting to P581,986 and P314,295, respectively, despite the non-implementation of the projects.

However, in its ruling, the Sandiganbayan sided with Romualdo and Go’s defense that their only obligation under the contract was to supply the construction materials and heavy equipment.

The Sandiganbayan gave weight to a Commission on Audit report which states that the construction materials and equipment were delivered on time.

Records also showed that Romualdo and Go were awarded the contracts through public bidding.

The court agreed with Esmeralda’s defense that ”the responsibility of implementing the infrastructure projects falls on the municipal engineer in accordance with the program of work.”

During the trial, former municipal engineer Anastacio Escobodo admitted that it was his responsibility to implement the projects.