Ombudsman files graft charges against Nayong Pilipino officials

March 3, 2020

Ombudsman Samuel Martires ordered the filing of criminal charges against Nayong Pilipino Foundation, Inc. (NPFI) chairman of the board Patricia Yvette Malabanan Ocampo-Desiongco, with board members, Alicia Manuel, Rex Anthony Villegas, Caroline Lansang, Elizabeth Mercado and Efraim Perez for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Indirect Bribery under the Revised Penal Code (RPC).

The Ombudsman found that from September 29 2017 to October 1 2017, NPFI officials availed themselves of free transportation by private jet going to and from Jeju Island and free accommodations offered by Landing International Development Limited (LIDL) to witness and grace the grand opening of the Shinwa Theme Park in South Korea.

The free transportation via private jet and accommodations were extended by LIDL to the NPFI officials while negotiations for a lease contract were ongoing between the two entities.

Under Section 3(b) of the Ant-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, public officials are prohibited from directly or indirectly requesting or receiving any gift, present, share, percentage, or benefit, for himself or for any other person, in connection with any contract or transaction between the government wherein the public officer in his official capacity has to intervene under the law. 

Meanwhile, under Article 211 of the Revised Penal Code, indirect bribery is committed by any public officer who shall accept gifts offered to him by reason of office.

The informations were filed before the Sandiganbayan. DMS