Forfeiture of ‘ill-gotten’ properties of DPWH exec sought

Prosecutors filed a petition with the Sandiganbayan yesterday seeking the forfeiture of the alleged ill-gotten properties worth P20.9 million of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Salvador Pleyto in favor of the government.

Ombudsman Simeon Marcelo said the petition also includes properties under the names of Pleyto’s wife, Miguela, and children Salvador Jr., Mary Grace and Rusell.

Pleyto, however, said the Ombudsman should not have filed the forfeiture case, quoting his lawyers as saying that it was covered by the permanent injunction stopping his dismissal which the Court of Appeals earlier had issued.

Among Pleyto’s assets which the Ombudsman wants seized are three properties in Sta. Maria, Bulacan worth P9.8 million, and three more lots valued at P3.4 million in the town proper.