Sandigan suspends Rep. Madrona over P4.8-M fertilizer purchase

The Sandiganbayan issued a 90-day preventive suspension order against Romblon Representative Eleandro Jesus Madrona over graft charges stemming from the alleged anomalous purchase of fertilizer worth P4.8 million.

In a four-page Resolution, the anti-graft court’s Sixth Division explained that Madrona’s suspension was in accordance with the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act which provides that “any incumbent public officer against whom any criminal prosecution under valid information under this law, act, or under the Revised Penal Code, or for any offense involving fraud upon government or public funds or property, whether as a simple or as a complex offense, and in whatever stage of execution and mode of participation, is pending in court, shall be suspended from office.”

The Sandiganbayan’s Sixth Division also noted that since the Supreme Court already upheld the Sandiganbayan’s April and July 2018 decision dismissing Madrona’s motion to quash the Information and dismiss the case, the information against him is valid.

A copy of the resolution would be sent to House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano for the implementation of the suspension order.

In the same resolution, the anti-graft court said Cayetano needed to inform the Court of the actions taken within 15 days from receipt of the resolution.

Madrona’s suspension, however, would automatically be lifted upon the expiration of the 90-day period from the implementation of the Resolution.

Madrona is facing graft charges over the grant of a P4.8 million contract to Feshan Philippines for the purchase of 3,333 bottles of Bio Nature fertilizer. — DVM, GMA News