The Sandiganbayan has ordered the suspension pendente lite of former Officer-in-Charge Roberto Corpus of the Provincial Assessor’s Office of Zambales. Corpus, currently an Administrative Officer, has been ordered by the anti-graft court to “cease and desist” from performing and/or exercising the functions, duties, and privileges of his position for 90 days pending his trial.
Corpus is facing trial for violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019), after the Ombudsman found that in September 2007, the accused unlawfully caused the issuance of a tax declaration in favour of a certain Victor Balicas, Sr., despite due notice that the property was covered by another tax declaration and certificate of title under the name of Rolando Young. Based on the Information filed, Corpus’ act “created possible conflicting legal interests over the said parcel of lot.”
“Considering the validity of the Information and that the accused is charged with violation of Republic Act 3019 as amended, covered by Section 13 thereof, it is mandatory for the Court, and there are no “ïfs” and “buts” about it, to issue the corresponding preventive suspension,” the anti-graft court said.
Under Section 13 of R.A. No. 3019, an incumbent public officer against whom any criminal prosecution under a valid information pending in court, shall be suspended from office.
The Sandiganbayan directed the Provincial Governor of Zambales to implement the suspension order.###