Sandiganbayan orders 90-day suspension of Zambales exec over graft raps

Sandiganbayan orders 90-day suspension of Zambales exec over graft raps (Photo: Gil S. Caling/PNA)

MANILA—The Sandiganbayan has ordered the suspension pendente lite of Roberto Corpus, former Officer-in-Charge of the Zambales Provincial Assessor’s Office.

The Sandiganbayan ordered Corpus, currently an Administrative Officer, to “cease and desist” from performing and or exercising the functions, duties and privileges of his position for 90 days pending his trial.

Corpus is facing trial for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act”.

This was after the Office of the Ombudsman (Ombudsman) found that in September 2007, the accused unlawfully caused the issuance of a tax declaration in favor of a certain Victor Balicas, Sr., despite due notice that the property was covered by another tax declaration and certificate of title under the name of Rolando Young.

In the graft complaint filed by the Ombudsman, it said that Corpus’ act “created possible conflicting legal interests over the said parcel of lot.”

“Considering the validity of the Information and that the accused is charged with violation of Republic Act 3019 as amended, covered by Section 13 thereof, it is mandatory for the Court, and there are no “ïfs” and “buts” about it, to issue the corresponding preventive suspension,” the Sandiganbayan said.

The Sandiganbayan ordered the Provincial Governor of Zambales to implement the suspension order.