Sandigan convicts ex-Cavite mayor for allowing water supply project sans permit

The Sandiganbayan has found the former mayor of Indang, Cavite guilty of graft for allegedly allowing a private company conduct a water supply project without securing the required permits.

The court's Fourth Division sentenced former Mayor Bienvenido Villa Dimero to six to 10 years imprisonment for one count of violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Dimero also faces the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

In July 2012, Dimero allegedly gave undue advantage to PTK2 H2O Corporation for the building of its water filtration plant atop Ikloy River, Kayquit II and perform ground-clearing, excavation and water pipe-laying activities.

The prosecution said Dimero allowed the corporation to conduct the waterworks despite its non-compliance with municipal regulations, such as securing the necessary permits and licenses.

Dimero, in his defense, said he approved the project since it would be beneficial to Indang because the corporation will pay for the permits and royalty fees.

However, the Sandiganbayan said Dimero should be convicted for allowing the project to continue despite his knowledge that the corporation failed to comply with municipal regulations.

The Sandiganbayan said the former local chief executive had the power to issue a cease and desist order against the project under the Local Government Code. It said his inaction even forced Indang residents to seek the help of the provincial governor.

"He became indifferent to the clamor of his constituents for him to take immediate action on the matter," the April 26 decision read.

"His passive stance for no justifiable reason compelled not only the Sangguniang Bayan but also the provincial governor to take action to stop the Corporation from continuing with its activities, which should have been performed by him in the first place," it added.

The Sandiganbayan said the testimony of Dimero that the municipal council issued a cease and desist order against PTK2 H2O Corporation appears to be dubious and only meant to pass the blame.

Associate Justice Reynaldo Cruz penned the decision, with the concurrence of Associate Justices Alex Quiroz and Bayani Jacinto. —LDF, GMA News