Sandiganbayan finds initial basis to convict ex-Cebu mayor over unlawful issuance of permit

The Sandiganbayan has found initial basis to sustain a guilty verdict against the former mayor of Naga City, Cebu in connection with the alleged unlawful issuance of a mayor's permit to an erring liquified petroleum gas wholesaler in 2014.

In a resolution dated December 13, the Sixth Division junked the motion for leave to file demurrer to evidence of former mayor Valdemar Chiong. Its approval would have allowed him to seek the outright dismissal of his graft case.

The Sandiganbayan said Chiong can still file a demurrer at the expense that “he shall waive his right to present evidence and is submitting this case for judgment on the basis of the evidence adduced by the prosecution.”

Chiong had issued a mayor's permit in favor of Petronas Energy Philippines despite the firm's failure to present a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate.

He argued the prosecution only presented four witnesses during the trial period, but failed to show documents to back their testimonies.

The prosecution rebuked Chiong, saying the permits signed by the former mayor in favor of Petronas showed he acted in bad faith and thus should be charged for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The Sandiganbayan said the evidence and witnesses of the prosecution was enough to find Chiong guilty unless successfully rebutted in court.

“After a careful study of the documentary and testimonial evidence presented by the prosecution, the Court finds that, if unrebutted, the same is sufficient to support a verdict of guilt against accused Valdemar Chiong for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019,” the Sandiganbayan said. —LDF, GMA News