Sandiganbayan clears ex-Petron execs in tax credit scam

The Sandiganbayan has cleared four former officials of Petron Corporation of their graft charges in relation to the multi-million peso tax credit scam.

In its 17-page resolution, the anti-graft court’s Special Fourth Division dismissed the graft charges against Monico Jacob, Celso Legarda, Apolinario Reyes and Rafael Diaz Jr.

The case stemmed from the respondents’ alleged conspiracy with former Finance Undersecretary Antonio Belicena and former Finance Deputy Executive Director Uldarico Andutan Jr. in recommending and approving the transfer of tax credit certificates (TCCs) from several private entities to Petron without legal basis and proper documentation.

In dismissing the cases, the court cited the “res judicata” rule, which bars the relitigation of cases that have already been settled by a court of law.

The Supreme Court had earlier dismissed several cases of the same legal issues and factual background which, the respondents said, should also be applied to their case.

“Petron, represented by the accused-movants, was found not to be a party to the fraudulent issuance and assignment of the TCCs, and was therefore considered as a transferee in good faith and for value,” the resolution read.

Meanwhile, Reynaldo Campos, another respondent, was acquitted by reason of his death on January 20, 2013.

“[I]nsofar as accused Campos is concerned, this case is dismissed as death extinguishes criminal liability,” the resolution read.

The Sandiganbayan had earlier convicted Undatan and several others in connection with the scam. —Erwin Colcol/KBK, GMA News