Sandigan clears ex-LRTA chief of graft

MANILA, Philippines — Former Light Rail Transit Authority administrator Melquiades Robles and 10 other LRTA officials have been acquitted of graft charges over an allegedly anomalous janitorial service deal in 2009.

In an 18-page resolution promulgated on Nov. 20, the Sandiganbayan granted the demurrer to evidence filed by Robles and the other defendants, which sought the dismissal of the case.

The anti-graft court’s Fifth Division said ombudsman prosecutors failed to present any relevant evidence or witnesses to prove that the former LTRA officials committed graft.

 “The court has no recourse but to grant the demurrers filed by the defendants for lack of evidence,” read the resolution penned by Associate Justice Rafael Lagos.

Also cleared of graft were former LRTA special bids and awards committee members Federico Canar Jr., Dennis Francisco, Evelyn Macalino, Marilou Liscano, Elmo Stephen Triste and Eduardo Abiva; technical working group members Nicholas Ombao, Roger Vaño, Maynard Tolosa and Juliet Labisto, as well as Lilia Diaz and Dennis Acorda of the COMM Builders joint venture.