Sandigan junks graft raps against Pangasinan mayor

By Elizabeth Marcelo

ANDA, Pangasinan -- The mayor of this town has been cleared of graft in connection with the lease of heavy equipment.

In a seven-page resolution released last week, the Sandiganbayan First Division granted the motion of Aldrin Cerdan to dismiss the case for violation of his right to its speedy disposition.

Court records show that a complaint was filed against Cerdan before the Office of the Ombudsman on Aug. 15, 2012 for entering into a lease agreement with JASA Builders without approval of the Sangguniang Bayan.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales approved the resolution finding probable cause to file a case only on March 18, 2016.

It took another 10 months to file the case.

 “Such delay is inordinate and unreasonable considering that the issue involved in the case is not complex,” the ruling penned by Associate Justice Efren de la Cruz read.

The court ordered the lifting of the hold departure order it issued against Cerdan as well as the return of the P30,000 bond that he posted.