2 former PNP generals cleared of graft

MANILA, Philippines — Former police generals Reynaldo Varilla and Charlemagne Alejandrino have been cleared of graft and malversation by the Sandiganbayan in connection with the alleged P134-million fictitious purchase of spare parts for armored vehicles of the Philippine National Police (PNP) between 2007 and 2008.

In a 24-page resolution dated July 3, the anti-graft court’s Fourth Division granted Varilla and Alejandrino’s motion to dismiss the charges.

The court said ombudsman prosecutors failed to present witnesses and documentary evidence to prove the participation of Varilla and Alejandrino in the alleged crime.

The Fourth Division said the only evidence that linked Varilla and Alejandrino to the allegedly anomalous procurement was the PNP Bids and Awards Committee’s resolution, which supposedly transferred to the Logistics Support Service BAC the authority to purchase the vehicle parts.

The court said the prosecution failed to submit the original copy of the resolution.

The court said only the cases against Varilla and Alejandrino were dismissed. The trial of the cases against the other defendants must continue.

The ombudsman filed charges of graft and malversation against 13 other PNP officers and four non-uniformed personnel in 2013.

The charges stemmed from the alleged payment of P134.39 million to supplier Enviro-Aire Inc. between August 2007 and January 2008 for the delivery of spare parts, engines and transmission assemblies for the repair and maintenance of 10 units of V-150 light armored vehicles.

The ombudsman said its investigation showed there was no actual purchase nor delivery of the items.