The Sandiganbayan has acquitted former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima and 16 other individuals in connection with the allegedly anomalous courier service contract the PNP entered into in 2011.
The anti-graft court’s Sixth Division ruled that the prosecution “failed to prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt” in its decision.
Purisima, along with former officials of the PNP Civil Service Group and the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO), and incorporators of the private firm, was charged with one count of violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The charge stemmed from a memorandum of agreement signed with Werfast Documentary Agency, Inc. for a computerized system for the renewal of firearms licenses.
Prosecutors had argued that the deal was irregular because it was awarded without public bidding and that Werfast allegedly lacked the necessary qualifications and authorization to operate as a courier service when the contract was signed.
However, the Sandiganbayan ruled there was no conspiracy among the accused police officers and the private individuals involved.
While the court noted reports of delayed deliveries of firearms licenses, it concluded that the prosecution failed to substantiate the supposed damage or loss, stating that it was unable to prove with “actual certainty” the supposed injury.
Following the acquittal, the court directed the lifting of the hold departure orders against all the accused and ordered the Bureau of Immigration to remove their names from its watchlist.