2 ex-ombudsman execs cleared in ‘parking’ scam

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has acquitted former deputy ombudsman for Luzon Mark Jalandoni and former assistant ombudsman Nennette de Padua of criminal charges in connection with the alleged tampering of rulings supposedly to “park” or delay the release of the documents.

In a 52-page decision promulgated on Aug. 26, the anti-graft court’s Special Third Division exonerated Jalandoni and De Padua of 56 counts of removal, concealment and destruction of documents under Article 226 of the Revised Penal Code as well as 13 counts of falsification of public documents.

“After due consideration of the presented evidence, the court finds for the acquittal of Jalandoni and De Padua. The prosecution failed to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt of the crimes charged,” the decision, penned by Associate Justice Ronald Moreno, read.

Associate Justices Oscar Herrera Jr. and Edgardo Caldona concurred with the ruling. Associate Justice Bernelito Fernandez dissented.

Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice and Third Division chairperson Amparo Cabotaje-Tang concurred with the acquittal of De Padua, but disagreed with Jalandoni’s acquittal.

Filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in February 2014, the cases stemmed from Jalandoni’s alleged tampering with decisions, resolutions, orders and other official documents, which had been reviewed and signed by then ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez.

The ombudsman said the “systematic tampering” was committed by “patching” the signatory portions of the documents with pieces of paper bearing Jalandoni’s name, which made it appear that he was the approving authority.

The court, in acquitting Jalandoni and De Padua, said the ombudsman’s prosecution team failed to prove with moral certainty that the former officials tried to destroy, remove or conceal the subject documents.