Case Digest (G.R. No. 239416)
Facts:
- Petition for certiorari filed by Melchor J. Chipoco and others against the Office of the Ombudsman.
- Events began on November 26, 2010, when Mayor Wilfredo S. Balais sold a 2001 Nissan Patrol Wagon to Eduardo A. Ayunting for P500,000.
- On January 28, 2011, Ayunting sold the vehicle to the Municipality of Labason for P960,000.
- On August 1, 2011, the Sangguniang Bayan of Labason passed Resolution No. 117, allowing Balais to negotiate the rescission of the sale due to its disadvantageous nature.
- A complaint was filed with the Ombudsman on August 22, 2011, alleging violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Government Procurement Reform Act against the petitioners and other officials.
- The Ombudsman found probable cause against Balais, Go, and Ayunting for violations of the Anti-Graft Law.
- Ayunting later became a state witness, leading to a new complaint on February 5, 2016, implicating other local officials.
- On December 8, 2017, the Ombudsman issued a resolution finding probable cause to charge the petitioners with violations of the Anti-Graft Law and the Revised Penal Code.
- The petitioners' motion for reconsideration was denied, prompting their appeal to the Supreme Court.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Supreme Court dismissed the petition, affirming the Ombudsman's resolution and order.
- The Court found no grave abuse of discretion in the Ombudsman...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Court stated that the Ombudsman has broad investigatory and prosecutorial powers, free from external influence.
- The standard for probable cause is a reasonable belief that a crime has occurred, not absolute certainty.
- The Ombudsman demonstrated that the petitioners acted with manifest partiality and gross negli...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. 239416)
Facts:
The case involves a petition for certiorari filed by Melchor J. Chipoco, Christy C. Buganutan, Ceriaco P. Sabijon, Thelma F. Antoque, Glenda G. Eslabon, and Aida P. Villamil against the Office of the Ombudsman, represented by Conchita Carpio-Morales, Rodolfo M. Elman, Hilde C. Dela Cruz-Likit, and Jay M. Visto. The events leading to the case began on November 26, 2010, when then Mayor Wilfredo S. Balais sold a 2001 Nissan Patrol Wagon to Eduardo A. Ayunting for P500,000. On January 28, 2011, Ayunting sold the vehicle to the Municipality of Labason, Zamboanga del Norte, represented by Vice Mayor Virgilio J. Go, for P960,000. Subsequently, on August 1, 2011, the Sangguniang Bayan of Labason passed Resolution No. 117, which authorized Balais to negotiate the rescission of the sale contract due to the high purchase price, which was deemed disadvantageous to the government.
On August 22, 2011, Roberto R. Galon filed a complaint with the Ombudsman against the petitioners, alleging violations of various laws, including the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Government Procurement Reform Act. The complaint also included Balais, Go, and several other local government officials. The Ombudsman found probable cause against Balais, Go, and Ayunting for violations of the Anti-Graft Law. As the ...