The Sandiganbayan has acquitted former Mariveles, Bataan Mayor Angel Viray Peliglorio of his graft charge involving the alleged anomalous purchase of land for the local government in 2005.

While the anti-graft court acknowledged in its decision that the incomplete documentation of the acquisition pointed to irregularity in the procurement, it said: "That was all that the evidence proved."

"There was no evidence presented whatsoever showing that accused Peliglorio was animated by fraudulent motives," the court said.

Peliglorio was charged with graft for approving the acquisition of several parcels of land comprising 3,777 square meters from a certain Lauro Guansing on April 26, 2006.

The prosecution said he approved the payment in the amount of P1,888,500 despite the lack of Transfer Certificate of Titles (TCTs) of the land and several other important documents to support the transaction.

When Guansing turned over the TCTs to the government, it reflected only 1,131 square meters, therefore "giving unwarranted benefits and advantage to Guansing and thereby causing undue injury to the government in the amount of P1,888,500,” the charge sheet against Peliglorio stated.

In its decision, the Sandiganbayan said there was no evidence showing that Peliglorio maneuvered the acquisition and that he obligated the Appraisal Committee and Sangguniang Bayan to approve the purchase of the parcels of land.

"Furthermore, it is presumed that accused Peliglorio acted in good faith in relying upon the verification and recommendation by the Budget, Accounting, and Treasurer's Office. The presumption prevails absent evidence to the contrary," the court said.

Second Division Chairperson Oscar C. Herrera wrote the decision with the concurrence of Associate Justices Michael Frederick L. Musngi and Maryann E. Corpus-Mañalac.

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