Court Denies Motions to Dismiss Graft Case Against Former Lawmaker and Officials

The court ruled that the prosecution's evidence was sufficient to support a possible conviction and that granting the motions would only delay proceedings. The schedule for the presentation of defense evidence remains unchanged.

The officials, along with former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co, face charges of malversation and graft over alleged irregularities in a P289.4-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. Prosecutors from the Office of the Ombudsman concluded their presentation of evidence on April 7.

The division stated that the accused had not shown the prosecution's evidence was insufficient to support a conviction. "Accordingly, the Motions for Leave to File Demurrer to Evidence of accused Pacanan, Altea, Santos, Serrano, Calvo, Abagon, Tamayo, Cayco, and Casuno are denied for lack of merit," the 16-page decision read.

The trial will now move to the defense stage, where the accused must present evidence to rebut the prosecution's allegations.