Ombudsman files graft, malversation charges vs JV Ejercito

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday filed graft and technical malversation charges against Sen. Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito before the Sandiganbayan.

Ejercito, former mayor of San Juan City, and 14 other former San Juan City officials are facing charges of technical malversation for illegal use of public funds or property.

The investigation of the Office of the Ombudsman showed that Ejercito used the calamity funds of San Juan City for the procurement of high-powered firearms worth P2.1 million.

"Thereby applying said public fund for a purpose different from which such fund was intended and appropriated by law or ordinance," the Office of the Ombudsman said.

Former San Juan City Vice Mayor Leonardo Celles, former City Councilors Andoni Carballo, Vincent Pacheco, Angelino Mendoza, Dante Santiago, Rolando Bernardo, Grace Pardines, Domingo Sese, Francis Peralta, Edgardo Soriano, Janna Ejercito-Surla, Franciso Zamora, Ramon Nakpil and Joseph Torralba are also facing technical malversation charges.

Ejercito and five others are also facing graft charges for the procurement of the sub-machine guns without public bidding, post qualification and legal appropriation.

Former City Administrator Ranulfo Dacalos, treasurer Rosalinda Marasigan, city attorney Romualdo Delos Santos, city budget officer Lorenza Ching and city engineer Danilo Mercardo are also facing graft charges.

The senator, however, insisted that he did not commit technical malversation and that the cases filed against him were politically motivated.

"My conscience, however, remains clear. I did not commit technical malversation. The firearms purchase was done accordingly within the law, that is why [the Commission on Audit] cleared us from any disallowance," Ejercito said in a statement.

In December 2015, the Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to charge Ejercito and 19 others for graft and technical malversation of public funds before the Sandiganbayan.