Enrico Echiverri cleared of graft case anew

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has cleared former Caloocan City mayor Enrico Echiverri of another graft case in connection with the alleged multimillion-peso infrastructure projects during his term.

In a 35-page decision promulgated on March 29 and obtained by reporters yesterday, the anti-graft court’s Sixth Division granted Echiverri’s demurrer to evidence seeking the dismissal of the complaint for violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The Sandiganbayan also cleared Echiverri’s co-accused former city accountant Edna Centeno and former budget officer Jesusa Garcia.

This is the fifth graft complaint dismissed by the Sandiganbayan out of the 57 cases filed against Echiverri by the Office of the Ombudsman.

The prosecution team has not won a single case against Echiverri so far.

The subject of Echiverri’s acquittal was the award of a P16.406-million deal to private firm P.B. Grey for road construction and drainage improvement in Barangay 177 in Camarin.

The ombudsman said the contract was awarded to the company without the approval of the city council.