The Sandiganbayan has dismissed the graft case against former Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) chairman Alberto Agra, ruling that prosecutors failed to prove he improperly influenced the execution of three Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) for a reclamation project in Bacoor Bay.
In a decision penned by Justice Karl Miranda, the anti-graft court's Third Division said Agra's signature appeared on the documents only as a witness and that prosecutors failed to establish he directed subordinates to execute the agreements. The court added that Agra's position as PRA board chairman did not automatically make him criminally liable, although it noted he could have sought a definitive judicial resolution on the dispute involving Cavitex Holdings Inc.'s claimed right of first refusal.
The court found that evidence instead pointed to PRA General Manager Atty. Janilo Rubiato as the official who executed the three MOAs. With the dismissal of the case, the Sandiganbayan lifted Agra's Hold Departure Order and ordered the return of his P90,000 bail.