GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The long-delayed P2.3-billion “mallengke” project is back on track after the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed graft charges against Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao and several city officials.

The ruling effectively clears the path for the public-private partnership (PPP) with Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) to proceed.

The project, which blends a modern shopping mall with a public market, had been stalled for months by controversy and legal hurdles stemming from accusations of irregularities in the bidding and approval process.

In its decision, the Ombudsman found no evidence of bad faith, gross inexcusable negligence, or undue favor extended to RLC. The ruling also noted that a final contract had not been awarded at the time the complaint was filed.

City Councilor Franklin Gacal welcomed the dismissal, stating it reaffirmed the integrity of the city government’s actions.

“Because of the Ombudsman’s decision, we can expect the construction of the ‘mallengke’ to proceed, which is a good project for GenSan,” Gacal said.

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

With the Ombudsman’s decision, the city’s Pre-Qualification Bids and Awards Committee is expected to proceed with officially awarding the project to RLC, paving the way for construction to finally begin.

Observers say the ruling could mark a turning point for Mayor Pacquiao’s administration, which has prioritized infrastructure projects under the city’s PPP program.