The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of graft charges against Jhopee Agustin (Attorney IV), the former officer-in-charge of the Business Bureau of Davao City, for granting special permits to the operator of the New Buhangin Gallera and Sports Complex for cockfighting activities. The special permits were issued by Agustin from January to September 2011 without prior authorization from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) and despite the operator’s failure to submit supporting documents.
Atty. Agustin is facing indictment for violations of Sections 3 (e) and (j) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and Presidential Decree No. 449 (Cockfighting Law of 1974).
In a Resolution, the Office of the Ombudsman stated that “Agustin’s act of approving and issuing several special permits without (the) submission of other documents required under the law clearly shows that she acted with manifest partiality in giving unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference (to the operator) and also a clear violation of PD No. 449.”###