Retired PCG Commandant Tamayo acquitted of graft over rescue equipment purchase

The Sandiganbayan acquitted retired Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo of graft over the payment of rescue team items despite the supposed incomplete delivery of the supplier.

The announcement was made by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Sunday, citing a unanimous decision penned by Sandiganbayan Fourth Division Chairperson Justice Alex Quiroz promulgated on September 17, 2021.

“The Prosecution’s documentary evidence i.e. the inspection and Acceptance Report and the inventory (TF SMART Equipment), together with the testimony of Lieutenant Alvarez could not support the conviction of the accused,” the decision was quoted as saying.

Associate Justice Lorifel Pahimna and Associate Justice Bayani Jacinto were reported to have concurred with the decision.

The complaint was filed by the Office of the Ombudsman's Field Investigation Office over the supposed violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act when full payment was made to supplier Joshwell Trading, even if the Special Maritime Advance Rescue Team (SMART) items were allegedly incomplete.

The acquittal was welcomed by Tamayo’s defense counsel Atty. Rony Garay, who said the decision vindicated the former PCG Commandant, adding that the items were supposedly in line with the requirements.

Citing the ruling, Garay said that the report did not indicate that there were undelivered items, meaning that the equipment was inspected and found to be in order.

“In criminal prosecution, the court is always guided by the evidence that is tangible, verifiable, and in harmony with the usual course of human experience and not by mere conjecture or speculation,” the statement read.

“While guilt should not escape, innocence should not suffer,” it added.

Tamayo was presented an Order of Lakandula Award by the later former President Benigno Aquino III, and was awarded the Plaque of Honorable Service by the then-Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). — DVM, GMA News