No. 13, in many cultures, is an unlucky number. In the case of former Bacolod Congressman and Mayor Monico Puentevella, 13 years of waiting turned in his favor.
“Finally, justice.”
Second Division of the Sandiganbayan on Monday acquitted Puentevella and his co-accused Jessie Garcia over the alleged overpriced procurement of Information Technology package for different public schools during his term as Bacolod solon.
The congressman was charged in February 2007 was charged for violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for purchase of IT/Computer Package worth P26 million using Priority Development Assistance Fund as a member of the House of Representatives.
Each package was reportedly purchased at P400,000 each.
The case later led to his 90-day suspension as city mayor beginning Sept. 8, 2015.
The Sandigan also lifted the overseas travel ban imposed on him and ordered the release of the bailbond of P100,000 deposited before the anti-graft court for his provisional liberty.
“I thank everyone who prayed with me all these years for the truth come out,” Puentevella said in his statement.
Better late than never, he continued adding that “the harassment was initiated by (Mayor Evelio) Bing Leonardia,” his political nemesis.
He recalled that Leonardia’s lawyer, the late Allan Zamora, “falsified legal papers”.
Two of Leonardia’s eventual counsel – Joselito Bayatan and Vicente Petierre – “followed it and did everything to throw the book at me.”
“But thank God,” he said, “justice has prevailed.”
He added that “probably they thought this was the only way they could destroy me in the eyes of the people and win the past election,” Puentevella continued.
“I hope Leonardia isn’t too disappointed. God is good all the time,” he said.
Puentevella was represented by Manila-based lawyers Redemptor Peig and Howie Calleja as well as Bacoleňos Ralph Sarmiento and Ruel Santizo.
TURNING POINT
In its 34-page decision, the Sandigan’s Second Division pointed out that there was no malice nor partiality on the part of Puentevella in the procurement of the ICT package.
“Accused Puentevella was not part of the entity that produced the IT packages of way direct contracting,” the decision said.
The decision was penned by Associate Justice Oscar Herrera and concurred by Associate Justices Michael Frederick Musugi and Bayani Jacinto.
Certifying it was Sandigan Presiding Judge Amparo Cabotaje-Tang.
“He (Puentevella) was not a member of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of DepEd Region VI. His participation was limited to financing the procurement of the IT packages through his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF),” the Second Division of the Sandiganbayan added. – AVDC
