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Former Malabon-Navotas representative Ricky Sandoval has been cleared of graft and technical malversation charges by the Sandiganbayan in connection with his office’s allegedly questionable purchase of a shredder worth P3 million.
Sandiganbayan (File photo) MANILA - The Sandiganbayan cleared a former Batangas lawmaker and regional officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) of graft charges arising from the purchase of farm equipment 18 years ago. The anti-graft court acquitted former Batangas Fourth District Rep. Oscar Gozos in the 2004 contract for the purchase of farm equipment worth PHP3 million under the DA's "Ginintuang Masaganang Ani" program, according to a 23-page decision dated June 24. Also cleared were DA-Batangas District regional executive director Dennis Araullo and field unit personnel Juvylee Obice, Raymundo Braganza, Abelardo Bragas, Felix Ramos, Ofelia Montilla, and Remus Villanueva. They were charged by the Ombudsman before the Sandiganbayan in 2011 following the findings and recommendation of a Senate inquiry in 2005. The program, also known as the PHP728-million farm input fund, aimed to modernize and develop the agricultural sector. The purchase was through direct contrac