Ombudsman drops graft charge vs Joey Marquez

The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) has dismissed the last graft case filed against former Parañaque City Mayor Joey Marquez in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of 14.4 million worth of compost garbage and recycling equipment in 2000.

In an 11-page resolution, Director Nellie P. Boguen-Golez of the OMB’s preliminary investigation bureau stated it found no evidence to show that the movie and television actor was involved in the alleged irregularities.

“Complainant failed to establish the participation of Marquez in the assailed transaction. His signature does not appear in any of the supporting documents,” she said.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales approved her recommendation for the charges to be dismissed.

Likewise cleared of criminal charges were former city treasurer Silvestre De Leon, former city administrator Antonio L. Abad III and former general services office chief Ofelia C. Cunan.

Likewise absolved were Antonina S. Asahan and Leonarda Alibutud of the Commission on Audit (COA) and Ricardo Adriano and Ronnie Samala of Julia Enterprise, Inc.

Lawyers of the movie and television actor said the latest resolution was the last of the graft cases filed against their client before the anti-graft body.