By Perfecto T. Raymundo
MANILA, (PNA) — The Court of Appeals has reversed a ruling of the Office of the Ombudsman dismissing an official of the Philippine National Police for his alleged involvement in the controversial procurement of PNP helicopters.
In a 10-page ruling promulgated on Aug. 14, 2013 and written by Associate Justice Marlene Gonzales-Sison, the CA’s Sixth Division granted the petition for review filed by Police director Leocadio Salva Cruz Santiago, Jr.
Santiago was one of the 14 PNP officials and personnel dismissed and suspended by the Ombudsman last year.
“Wherefore, premises considered, instant petition for review is granted such that the joint resolution and order dated 30 May 2012 and 05 November 2012 respectively rendered by the Office of the Ombudsman finding petitioner [Santiago] administratively liable for serious dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service are hereby reversed and set aside. Meanwhile, the urgent motion for temporary restraining order and/or preliminary injunction are denied for being moot and academic,” the CA ruling said.
The case stemmed from the PNP’s purchase from MAPTRA of one fully-equipped Robinson R44 Raven II Light Police Operational Helicopter for P42,312,913.10 and two standard Robinson R44 Raven I LPOHs for P62,672,086.90, or for a total amount of P104,985,000.00 from 2009 to 2010.
The Ombudsman’s Special Investigating Panel found, among other things, MAPTRA did not possess the technical and financial eligibility required by law and it delivered only one brand new Robinson Raven II LPOH while the two delivered Robinson Raven I LPOHs were actually pre-owned by former First Gentleman Atty. Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo.
The criminal cases have been pending with the Sandiganbayan since last year.
Aside from Santiago, also dismissed by the Ombudsman were Police Supt. Ermilando Villafuerte; Supt. Roman E. Loreto; Chief Supt. Herold G. Ubalde; Chief Supt. Luis L. Saligumba; Sr. Supt. Job Nolan D. Antonio; Director George Q. Piano; Sr. Supt Edgar B. Paatan; Sr. Supt. Mansue N. Lukban; Chief Insp. Maria Josefina Vidal Reco; Sr. Supt. Claudio DS Gaspar, Jr.; SPO3 Ma. Linda A. Padojinog; PO3 Avensuel G. Dy; and NUP Ruben S. Gongona.
The same ruling suspended Sr. Supt. Joel Crisostomo DL Garcia; SPO3 Jorge B. Gabiana; PO3 Dionisio Jimenez; NUPs Erwin O. Chavarria; Emilia A. Aliling; and Erwin Paul Maranan for six months without pay.
The ruling prompted Santiago to seek redress with the CA.
However, the CA “finds and rules that petitioner (Santiago) acted in good faith and that to hold him responsible for the alleged fiasco would send the wrong message that mere association is a grievous sin sufficient enough to deprive a long serving public servant not only of his livelihood and reputation, but also his honor.”
Concurring with the ruling were Associate Justices Hakim Abdulwahid and Edwin Sorongon.