Sandigan suspends OMB chief, 3 others

MANILA, Philippines – The Sandiganbayan has issued a 90-day suspension order against Optical Media Board (OMB) chairman Ronnie Ricketts, who is facing graft charges for allegedly mishandling confiscated digital video discs and video compact discs five years ago.

The anti-graft court also suspended enforcement and inspection division head Manuel Mangubat, investigation agent Joseph Arnaldo and computer operator Glenn Perez.

The Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division issued the suspension order, based on a petition by Office of the Ombudsman prosecutors, to prevent Ricketts from possibly influencing witnesses and tampering with evidence.

According to the ombudsman, OMB agents raided Sky Marketing Corp. offices in Quiapo, Manila in May 2010.

The agents confiscated 127 boxes and two sacks of pirated discs and a video recorder. The items were brought to the OMB office in the afternoon after the raid but were pulled out that night.

Records show that Ricketts instructed the pullout of the confiscated items without an approved gate pass and using a truck owned by Sky High.

The Sandiganbayan earlier issued a hold departure against Ricketts, Mangubat, Arnaldo and Perez following the graft case filed by the ombudsman.

Ombudsman prosecutors moved for their suspension while on trial, citing Section 13 of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. 

The Sandiganbayan granted the motion to suspend and directed the Office of the President, which supervises the OMB, to implement the order.