The Sandiganbayan has approved the payment of P2.5 million to settle the P9.06 million civil case for forfeiture of alleged unexplained wealth filed against the former director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Benguet and members of his family.
Former PNP Chief Supt. Eugene Garbriel Martin and members of his family -- wife Priscilla, children Kathleen Ira and Kurt Walter, and mother Salma -- have been named respondents in a civil case filed before the Sandiganbayan to recover P9.06 million alleged unexplained wealth.
The case alleged that Martin acquired huge amounts of money and properties that were manifestly out of proportion to his salaries as a public officer and other lawful income.
A writ of preliminary attachment was issued by the anti-graft court's fourth division on Sept. 12, 2014. The court directed its sheriff to secure the properties of the Martins located in the Philippines.
China Banking Corporation also garnished the bank accounts of Eugene Gabriel Martin/Priscilla Marrero Martin in the amounts of P1,049,206.94 and P3,287,379.89 maintained in its Baguio City branch.
As trial ensued, the Martin and his family offered to enter into a compromise agreement, the latest of which was the March 21, 2022 proposal with an increased settlement offer of P2.5 million.
Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon and officer-in-charge Ombudsman Cornelio L. Somido approved the request for authority to enter into a compromise agreement in a memorandum dated April 19, 2023.
The compromise agreement was later signed and approved by Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires, with the condition that Martin and members of his family pay P2.5 million in cash in favor of the government for the purpose of terminating the case.
The compromise agreement was approved by the Sandiganbayan in an open court ruling last April 2.
"Wherefore, it appearing that the compromise agreement executed by and between the Republic of the Philippines, through the Office of the Ombudsman and P/CSupt. Eugene G. Martin, Priscilla M. Martin, Kathleen Ira M. Martin, Kurt Walter M. Martin, and Salma G. Martin, dated Sept. 8, 2023 is not contrary to law, morals, good customs, and public policy, and pursuant to Articles 2028 and 2037 of the Civil Code of the Philippines, the terms and conditions of the said compromise agreement are hereby approved and adopted as part of the decision of this Court," the anti-graft court said.
The court's order on the preliminary attachment dated Sept. 12, 2014 was ordered "recalled, cancelled, and dissolved and all properties levied and seized by the Sheriff of the Sandiganbayan are hereby discharged and released."
"China Banking Corporation is hereby ordered to lift the garnishment of the said bank account in the name of the respondents Eugene Gabriel Martin and Priscilla Marrero Martin as stated in its report dated Oct. 29, 2014," it added.
The five-page decision was written by Fourth Division Chairperson Associate Justice Michael Frederick L. Musngi. Associate Justices Lorifel L. Pahimna and Bayani H. Jacinto concurred.