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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Sandigan allows ex-postmaster general to bid for dismissal of her criminal cases on 'weakness' of prosecution's evidence

Sandigan allows ex-postmaster general to bid for dismissal of her criminal cases on 'weakness' of prosecution's evidence

Published Aug 3, 2023 08:03 am
The Sandiganbayan has allowed former postmaster general Maria Josefina Mendoza Dela Cruz to challenge the prosecution’s evidence in her move to dismiss the criminal charges filed against her. Allowed by the anti-graft court was Dela Cruz’s filing of a demurrer to evidence, a pleading to dismiss the criminal charges on allegation that the prosecution’s evidence would not sustain a conviction. Dela Cruz was charged with two counts of graft and two counts of violations of the Revised Penal Code on unlawful appointments. Filed in 2019, the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) alleged that Dela Cruz gave unwarranted benefits to Esther V. Cabigao whom she appointed as director III of the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) in 2011 even without the required qualifications. On the second graft charge, the OMB alleged that Dela Cruz appointed Cabigao anew as PhilPost department manager in 2013 even without a master’s degree required for the post. Dela Cruz lodged a motion to file a demurrer to evidence.  She said the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt all of the elements of graft and unlawful appointment. She argued that there was no criminal intent proven since she merely relied on her subordinates in the appointment of Cabigao. In a resolution issued on July 18, 2023, the anti-graft court granted Dela Cruz’s motion.  She was given 10 days from receipt of the resolution to file her demurrer to evidence while the OMB was also given 10 days to file its opposition. The court’s grant of a demurrer to evidence filed by an accused in a criminal case is tantamount to an acquittal. Associate Justice Maryann E. Corpus-Mañalac wrote the 10-page resolution with the concurrence of Fifth Division Chairperson Rafael R. Lagos and Associate Justice Maria Theresa V. Mendoza-Arcega.

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