Ex-San Juan vice mayor Francis Zamora pleads not guilty to malversation

Former San Juan City vice mayor Francis Zamora pleaded not guilty Monday to technical malversation charges in connection with the local government’s alleged anomalous purchase of P2.1-million worth of high powered firearms in 2008.

Zamora entered the plea during his arraignment before the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division. Two of his co-accused in the case, former councilors Angelino Mendoza and Rolando Bernardo, also pleaded not guilty to the same charge.

Zamora was charged with malversation as a member of the city council which approved the ordinance allowing the San Juan city government to use its calamity funds for the purchase of firearms even though it was not under a state of calamity.

The Office of the Ombudsman also alleged that the city government bought the firearms n haste without competitive bidding and examination of the supplier’s qualifications.

The principal accused in the case is Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, who was charged in his capacity as city mayor during the year the purchase of firearms was made.

Ejercito is also facing a separate graft case over the deal before the Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division.

The Sixth Division has set the start of trial for the former San Juan officials’ malversation case on Nov. 22. — RSJ, GMA News