By CESAR JOLITO III
The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed both criminal and administrative complaints filed against former mayor and now Bacolod Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and 18 others in connection with the city government’s purchase of portions of Hacienda Conchita in Barangay Granada.
In a joint resolution dated April 14, the Ombudsman cleared Benitez and others of alleged violations of Section 3 of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Acts 3019 and 6713), citing lack of sufficient evidence.
The respondents include Councilors Al Victor Espino, Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Esrael Salanga, Em Ang, Celia Matea Flor, Psyche Marie Sy, Lady Gles Pallen, and Jason Villarosa, as well as former councilors Cindy Rojas, Vladimir Gonzalez, Simplicia Distrito, and Ayesha Joy Villaflor.
The case also included Raymond Danico, deputy register of deeds; and private individuals Jose Maria Ledesma Jr., Sebastian Antonio Ledesma, Gerardo Ledesma, and Ma. Eugenia Ledesma.
One respondent, Antonio Ma. Ledesma, was removed from the case following his death.
Administrative charges for grave misconduct and violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees were also dismissed for lack of substantial evidence.
The complaints, filed by Roger Ledesma, alleged that the Bacolod City government acquired agricultural land under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law at an allegedly inflated price, citing supposed overpricing, conflict of interest among officials, and irregularities in the transfer of property titles without clearance from the Department of Agrarian Reform.
However, the Ombudsman found no clear proof of overpricing, noting that the P971.86-million valuation for the 74.7587-hectare property was based on approved zonal values and standard appraisal procedures.
It said the valuation considered factors such as location, accessibility, surrounding infrastructure, zoning classification, and development potential.
On the allegation of conflict of interest, the Ombudsman ruled that the participation of some officials in both the appraisal committee and land banking committee did not, by itself, constitute a legal violation.
The Ombudsman also found no evidence of bad faith, manifest partiality or gross negligence on the part of the respondents.
The preventive suspension sought by the complainant was likewise denied.
In a statement, Benitez said he welcomed the decision, stressing that their actions were “in accordance with law and due process” and intended for the benefit of Bacolod residents.
Benitez added that the findings affirmed there was no basis for criminal or administrative liability.
“We will continue the work of strengthening the local economy, improving basic services and ensuring that every decision delivers real value to the people,” Benitez said, adding that his office would remain focused on public service following the dismissal of the case.
The Hacienda Conchita property, acquired in October 2023, was intended for land banking and future development projects of the city government./CJ, WDJ