Lot sold in good faith - Amparo Balili

CEBU, Philippines - Amparo Balili, owner of the controversial Balili property in Tinaan, Naga City, posted bail of P30,000 yesterday.

She told reporters that she sold the lot “in good faith.”

Amparo was with her lawyer Cezar Tabotabo when they went to court.

Judge Soliver Peras of Regional Trial Court Branch 10 issued the release order.

Former Provincial Board Member Juan Bolo and executor Romeo Balili also posted bail of P30,000 each yesterday.

In an interview, Bolo questioned the resolution saying there is no probable cause to indict him.

He said he will be filing a motion for reconsideration before the Office of the Ombudsman in Manila and a motion to defer arraignment before the Sandiganbayan.

Last Friday, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Chairman of the Cebu Provincial Appraisal Committee and former Provincial Assessor Anthony Sususco, Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre, Provincial Engineer Eulogio Pelayre and Provincial Budget Officer Emme Gingoyon posted bail for their temporary liberty.

Garcia and others officials were charged with two counts of graft and one count of violation of the Revised Penal Code in relation to the purchase of the 25-hectare Balili estate worth more than P98 million.

It was found out that more than 80,000 square meters of the property are submerged while more than 14,000 square meters are mangrove areas.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales found probable cause to indict them but discharged Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr. as he already passed away.

Morales cleared former Provincial Board (PB) member now Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, PB Members Wilfredo Caminero, Peter John Calderon, Julian Daan, Victor Maambong, former PB member Jose Maria Gastardo, Mariflor Vero, Pilar Yburan, Michelle Languido, Roger Dumayac, Joven Mondigo, Jr., Teresita Celes, Rosemarie Durano, Wenceslao Gakit, Alfred Francis Ouano and Bea Mercedes Calderon for insufficiency of evidence.

Morales said the complainants failed to establish their participation in the case.

Morales also dismissed the complaints of plunder and a violation of Section 3 (a) of RA 3019 or the anti-graft and corrupt practices act for insufficiency of evidence.

Meanwhile, San Juan City Rep. Joseph Victor Ejercit apologized to the Duranos of Danao City when he was reportedly quoted as saying that the filing of charges against Gov. Garcia could be one of the conditions they asked before forging an alliance with the Liberal Party.

In an open letter dated July 23, 2012, Ejercito quoted what he exactly said - “Considering the timing of filing of graft cases against Gov. Garcia when she was included in the UNA senatorial candidate, this might be true.”

Ejercito said he never issued a statement that has something to do with local issues nor with the Duranos and with the Bakud Party-LP coalition.

 Ejercito emphasized that he always stays away from local issues or squabbles of local politicians, especially if he is not familiar with the issue.

He also stressed that before his association with the Garcias, he is already a good friend of the Osmeñas, the Duranos and the del Mars.

“I am a friend of Cebu, and a lover of Sinulog and its people. Thus, I hope that the people of Cebu will find peace on this issue very soon,” Ejercito said.

At Capitol, Garcia went on with her usual office works yesterday after the filing of graft charges against her before the Sandiganbayan last Thursday.

Capitol spokesperson Rory Jon Sepulveda said Garcia’s legal team “is confident that we can mount and we can come up with the very credible defense.”

Garcia’s legal team is also working on legal and judicial remedies to avoid suspension of the governor.

Capitol is now preparing for the 443rd Founding Anniversary of the Province of Cebu on August 6.

Sepulveda said that they are hoping the other camp will be attending the activities of the founding anniversary.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale and other members of Bakud did not attend the last Sopa of the governor. Magpale yesterday said she will attend the activities of the founding anniversary.

Sepulveda stressed that they don’t want politics to overshadow the activities for all the Cebuanos.

 “Gitun-an na pag-ayo unsa’y most appropriate approach aning kasoha,” he said.  (FREEMAN)