Ex-Cavite governor faces graft rap over relocation project
The Cavite government, during Erineo Maliksi's term as governor, was granted P500 million by the Light Rail Transit Authority for the relocation and housing of about 2,000 families to be affected by the LRT 1 South Extension Project. Facebook/Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi
MANILA, Philippines — Former Cavite governor Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi was charged by the Office of the Ombudsman over an alleged anomaly surrounding the purchase of lots for the relocation of informal settles to be affected by the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT 1) extension project.
In a case information sheet filed before the Sandiganbayan, the ombudsman charged Maliksi with violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Named as his co-accused in the case were former provincial accountant Doris Ensomo and private respondent Cynthia Montesclaros.
The ombudsman said Maliksi and Ensomo “conspired” with Montesclaros in giving “unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference” to her and other owners of the parcels of land to be purchased by the provincial government.
The Cavite government, during Maliksi's term as governor, was granted P500 million by the Light Rail Transit Authority for the relocation and housing of about 2,000 families to be affected by the LRT 1 South Extension Project.
Based on the charge sheet prepared by graft investigation and prosecution officer Julie Mercurio, the provincial government, in January 2009, “unlawfully” paid Montesclaros and the other landowners a total of P26,492,667 supposedly representing their disturbance compensation, five percent broker's commission, capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax.
The ombudsman said the payment was “excessive” and “over and above” the contract price of P125,488,200 for the purchase of the parcels of land.
“The payment of said additional amounts was excessive and contrary to pertinent laws, regulations and public policy, to the damage of the government,” the ombudsman said.
The ombudsman recommended to the Sandiganbayan to set the respondents' bail bond at P30,000 each.
The charge sheet was approved by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on Nov. 22, 2017 but it was filed at the Sandiganbayan only on Feb. 2, 2018.
Among the witnesses set to testify against Maliksi and his co-accused were ombudsman field investigation officer Carmelo Gines Jr., Commission on Audit Region IV-A director Cleotilde Tuazon and COA-Cavite audit team leader Osana Theresa Domingo.
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