Ombudsman junks graft raps vs Roxas village exec

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas recently junked the graft and corruption charges filed against the village chief of Brgy. Dinginan here.

Charges for violations of Republic Act No. 3019 otherwise known as Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code against Punong Brgy. Elizabeth Santiago were dismissed for lack of merit.

The case was filed by Kagawads Ruben Aluad, Wilson Alinsog and Prudencio Aluad for the alleged irregularities in the procurement and implementation of some projects, including the construction of barangay hall canopy, installation of streetlights, and rehabilitation of some barangay roads.

The complainants, however, failed to prove the alleged anomalies. They also failed to prove there was no bidding and that the bidders were not qualified.

Santiago branded the accusations as politically motivated and were meant to besmirch her reputation.

Santiago said that her office is open for any queries on their projects.