Ramirez cleared of graft charge

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez received an early Christmas gift the package coming in the form of acquittal by the Sandiganbayan from a graft charge.

“I was very happy about the acquittal, my family was happy about it. It was a Christmas gift to me and my family,” said Ramirez, cleared of the rap stemming from alleged anomalous hiring of security guards in 2008.

Ramirez allegedly tapped Exelgard Security and Research Services without approval from the government sports-funding agency board and public bidding.

After 12 long years, Ramirez proved his innocence and was exonerated.

“Inasmuch as the prosecution failed to establish with moral certainty the commission of the offense as charged, the defense has equally proven accused Ramirez’ innocence, at the very least created reasonable doubt as to his guilt,” the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division said in its decision promulgated last Nov. 17, a copy of which was released to the media yesterday.

Ramirez was specifically acquitted of violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, a provision which prohibits public officials from giving unwarranted benefit, advantage or preference to a private party or from causing any party, including the government, undue injury.

The decision was penned by Associate Justice Kevin Narce Vivero.