Manila The Sandiganbayan Has Acquitted Incumbent Mayor Of San Fernando City News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

MANILA - The Sandiganbayan has acquitted the incumbent mayor of San Fernando City, La Union on graft charges arising from a PHP38-million contract in 2018 for the rehabilitation of its plaza. In a 22-page decision dated November 29 written by Associate Justice Lorifel Pahimna, the anti-graft court's Fourth Division, in clearing Hermenegildo Gualberto, said the prosecution failed to provide evidence that public bidding for the San Fernando City plaza upgrading project was undermined and likewise failed to "prove that the government suffered substantial damage". It also said the prosecution failed to prove that Gualberto gave unwarranted preference or advantage to the contractor, JD Madrid Construction, under the contract agreement. The anti-graft court also said Gualberto need not secure authorization from the Sangguniang Panglunsod since the transaction is covered by an earlier appropriation ordinance, citing precedents by the Supreme Court where the high tribunal said th ....

San Fernando City , City Of San Fernando , La Union , Hermenegildo Gualberto , Justice Lorifel Pahimna , Sangguniang Panglunsod , Supreme Court , Department Of The , Fourth Division , Associate Justice Lorifel Pahimna , Local Government , Manila The Sandiganbayan Has Acquitted Incumbent Mayor Of San Fernando City , A Union On Graft Charges Arising Froma Php38 Million Contract In 2018 For The Rehabilitation Of Its Plaza Ina 22 Page Decision Dated November 29 Written By Associate Justice Lorifel Pahimna , He Anti Graft Court 39s Fourth Division , N Clearing Hermenegildo Gualberto , Aid The Prosecution Failed To Provide Evidence That Public Bidding For San Fernando City Plaza Upgrading Project Was Undermined And Likewise Quot Prove Government Suffered Substantial Damage It Also Said Gualberto Gave Unwarranted Preference Or Advantage Contractor , D Madrid Construction , Nder The Contract Agreement Anti Graft Court Also Said Gualberto Need Not Secure Authorization From Sangguniang Panglunsod Since Transaction Is Covered By An Earlier Appropriation Ordinance , Iting Precedents By The Supreme Court Where High Tribunal Said Need For Authorization Depends On Particular Circumstances Ofa Case Last March , He Department Of The Interior And Local Government Dilg Implementeda Suspension Order Against Gualberto In Connection With Case 2020 , He Court Of Appeals Ca Rejected The Ombudsman 39s Order For His Dismissal From Service Quot In Our Criminal Justice System , He Overriding Consideration Is Not Whether The Court Doubts Innocence Of Accused , Ut Whether It Entertainsa Reasonable Doubt As To Their Guilt Where There Is No Moral Certainty , Hey Must Be Acquitted Even Though Their Innocence May Questionable The Constitutional Right To Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty Can Overthrown Only By Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt , Uot The Court Said Pna ,