Sandiganbayan orders arrest of Olongapo mayor Paulino

The Sandiganbayan has ordered the arrest of incumbent Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino and 15 others after it found probable cause to hold them in trial for supposedly entering into an allegedly disadvantageous lease contract for government properties.

Paulino and his co-accused were charged with violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for supposedly taking advantage of their official position to fast-track the award of the lease contract of the Olongapo City Civic Center to SM Prime Holdings Inc.

This was, however, allegedly not in compliance with the provisions of RA 6567, or the act that authorizes the financing, construction, operation and maintenance of infrastructure projects by the private sector.

Also ordered arrested were Aquilino Yorac Cortez, Jr., Elena Calma Dabu, Benjamin Gregorio Cajudo II, Eduardo Guerrero Guerrero, Noel Yabut Atienza, Alruela Mauro Bundang-Ortiz, Edna Alviz Elane, Emerito Linus Dolantre Bacay, Randy Dela Cruz Sionzon, Egmidio Manzano Gonzales, Jr., Tony-Kar Balde III, Cristiflor Buduhan, Anna Marin Florentina Sison, Mamerto B, Malabute, and Joy Fernandez Cahilig.

The Sandiganbayan Second Division, where the charges have been lodged, set the bail for each accused at P30,000 for their temporary liberty, which they have posted already.

The Office of the Ombudsman had earlier ordered Paulino suspended for 90 days for the same case pending trial. — Erwin Colcol/BM, GMA News