Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The Sandiganbayan rejected the motions for reconsideration filed by nine former public works officials from the Mimaropa region seeking to overturn the denial of their bail in a malversation case.
In a 27-page resolution dated March 31, the court’s Sixth Division dismissed the appeals for lack of merit, upholding its earlier ruling on the bail applications.
The case is linked to a Php 289.5 million road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, where the respondents are accused of fund misuse alongside resigned and fugitive Elizaldy Co.
Those who sought reconsideration were officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways in Mimaropa, including engineers, division heads, and members of the Bids and Awards Committee.
They argued that the prosecution failed to present strong evidence of guilt that would justify denying bail and maintained there was no conspiracy among them.
Some of the accused also claimed they could not be considered accountable public officers in relation to the alleged offense.
The court, however, found that their actions in issuing certifications, recommendations, and approvals appeared to support the release of government funds to the contractor despite incomplete or substandard work, indicating a shared objective.
It also said the arguments raised in the motions were largely a repetition of earlier claims already addressed, stressing that its ruling pertained only to the evaluation of evidence for bail and did not constitute a determination of guilt.