City environment officer suspended over firearms deal

THE Sandiganbayan has ordered the suspension of Dante E. Santiago, head of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of San Juan City, in connection with his trial for technical malversation over the alleged illegal purchase of high-powered firearms worth P2.1 million in 2008 when he was a city councilor. In a four-page resolution issued by Associate Justice Rodolfo A. Ponferrada, the anti-graft court directed Mr. Santiago to cease and desist from performing the role of CENRO head for a 90-day period. “That the accused is now currently holding the position of Chief of CENRO of San Juan City, a position different from that of a member of Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) of San Juan City when he allegedly committed the offense charged and, therefore, no longer in a position to influence witnesses or tamper with evidence in this case, is immaterial as the Court has neither the discretion nor the duty to determine whether preventive suspension is required to prevent the accused from using his office to intimidate witnesses or frustrate his prosecution or continue committing malfeasance in his office,” the resolution said. The Office of the Ombudsman filed charges against Mr. Santiago along with Senator Joseph Victor “JV” G. Ejercito, other members of the SP, and city officials. The Sandiganbayan, however, has acquitted Mr. Ejercito and the city officials.