GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The stalled P2.3-billion “mallengke” public-private partnership project is set to move forward after the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the graft charges filed against Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao and several city officials, clearing the way for the deal with Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC).

The project, which combines a modern shopping mall with a city public market, had been held up for months due to allegations of irregularities in the project’s procurement and approval process.

In his ruling, former acting Ombudsman Dante Vargas found no evidence of bad faith, gross inexcusable negligence, or undue favor to RLC. The decision also pointed out that no final contract had been awarded at the time the complaint was filed.

City Councilor Franklin Gacal said the ruling validates the city government's actions and efforts to move the project forward.

“Dahil sa naging desisyon ng Ombudsman, maasahan na tuloy-tuloy na ang pagpapatayo ng mallengke na isang magandang proyekto para sa GenSan,” Gacal said.

The original complaint was filed by then-opposition councilor and now Vice Mayor Jose Edmar Yumang, who questioned the bidding process and the city’s partnership with the Gokongwei-led developer.

With the case dismissed, the city’s Pre-Qualification Bids and Awards Committee is expected to proceed with awarding the project to RLC, allowing construction to begin.

Observers say the decision could be a significant boost for the Pacquiao administration, which has been promoting major infrastructure investments under its PPP development program.