Sandigan upholds Jardin graft case jurisdiction

The Sandiganbayan has upheld jurisdiction over the graft case of ex-Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board executive director Samuel Jardin involving P4.6 million of "bribe" in exchange for franchise issuance in 2019.

In a 10-page resolution handed down on Wednesday, the anti-graft court's Sixth Division junked the Ombudsman's bid to withdraw the graft case it had brought against Jardin on the grounds that the lawsuit does not allege any damage to the government or any bribery.

Jardin was charged with violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713) for "requesting" and "receiving" P4.6 million from Michelle Sapangila in exchange for securing the latter an issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience by the LTFRB of for the operation of public utility or transport vehicles.

The Ombudsman filed the raps before the Sandiganbayan earlier this year.

The complainant, Sapangila, claimed in a 2019 sworn statement that a certain "Madam Lolit" allegedly demanded payment for the issuance of a route measured capacity in the amount of P300,000 and P4.5 million, which would be split between Jardin (P3 million) and ex-LTFRB chair Martin Delgra III (P1.5 million).

The Sandiganbayan, however, ruled to dismiss the charge of RA 6713 without prejudice last June.

In its ruling, the Sandiganbayan asserted that it has jurisdiction to proceed with the graft case against Jardin as the amount involved exceeds P1 million.