By CESAR JOLITO III

Deputy Speaker and Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez confirmed that the Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed all criminal and administrative complaints filed against him and other respondents over the city’s landbanking project during his tenure as mayor.

In a statement, Benitez said the ruling effectively clears them of all allegations, noting that the issues raised in the complaint had been “thoroughly addressed” during the proceedings.

He described the dismissal as a “full vindication,” emphasizing that the Office of the Ombudsman found no basis to pursue the charges.

Despite the favorable ruling, the lawmaker said he would no longer pursue countercharges against the complainant.

He explained that taking further legal action would not serve any meaningful purpose and would instead divert time and resources away from public service.

Benitez added that he and his team intend to move forward and focus on their responsibilities, guided by what he described as the truth established by the Ombudsman’s decision.

In a joint resolution dated April 14, the Ombudsman cleared Benitez and 18 others, including city government officials, of alleged violations of Section 3 of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Acts 3019 and 6713), in connection with the city government’s purchase of portions of Hacienda Conchita in Barangay Granada.

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.

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./CJ, WDJ