Case Digest (G.R. No. 233152) Core Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
The case involves Dionisio B. Coloma, Jr., who served as the Police Chief Superintendent and the Deputy Director of the Philippine National Training Institute (PNTI) under the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC). On September 16, 2005, the Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to charge Coloma with three counts of violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (R.A. 3019). Specifically, the case focuses on Amended Information dated August 9, 2007, which outlined allegations that during the period between June and October 2001, Coloma facilitated an unlawful purchase of a 10,000-square meter property in Tubig Sillang, Sanga-Sanga, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi for the construction of a training facility. This purchase allegedly occurred without the necessary prior authorization, without conducting a proper public bidding, and without verifying the ownership of the property. Coloma purchased the property for ₱1,500,000, despite the prevailing market value being ... Case Digest (G.R. No. 233152) Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
Background and Accusation On September 16, 2005, the Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to charge Police Chief Superintendent (P/C Supt.) Dionisio B. Coloma, Jr. with three counts of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act). The present case involved one of these counts, specifically the alleged unauthorized purchase of a 10,000-square-meter property in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, using public funds.Prosecution's Version
The prosecution alleged that Coloma, as Special Assistant to the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) President on Real Property Acquisition Projects, facilitated the unauthorized purchase of a property from Engr. Rolando Lim and his wife, Albia J. Lim, for P1,500,000. The purchase lacked proper authority, public bidding, and documentation, and the property was overpriced. Coloma also allegedly ensured the award of the construction project to A.C. Lim Construction (ACLC), a contractor associated with Engr. Lim, and transferred funds to the contractor’s account without proper documentation.
Defense's Version
Coloma claimed that PPSC’s budget officer certified funds for the project, and the property purchase was approved by PPSC President Ernesto B. Gimenez. He argued that his actions were in good faith and based on lawful authority.
Sandiganbayan's Findings
The Sandiganbayan found Coloma guilty, stating that he acted with manifest partiality and evident bad faith, causing undue injury to the government by overpaying for the property and giving unwarranted benefits to the contractor.
Issues:
Whether Coloma’s conviction for violation of Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019 should be upheld.Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)