Sandiganbayan Orders Case Reinstatement
The Sandiganbayan has remanded the case involving the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) and former Quedan and Rural Credit Guarantee Corporation (Quedancor) officials to the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) for further proceedings. This case centers on the controversial grant of a P3 million loan to allegedly unqualified borrowers back in 2006.
The four-word keyphrase, “grant of P3 million,” highlights the core issue of this legal dispute. Initially, the Quezon City RTC Branch 224 dismissed the case against several Quedancor officials and borrowers, citing improper venue. Other cases involving some accused individuals were archived.
Details on Case Dismissals and Archiving
The archived cases involved several officials such as the Regional Credit and Guarantee Committee Assistant Vice President – NCR, Divino Duban; Operations Officer Ray Joven; Accountant Analyn Hobayan; and spouses Marcos Reyes and Adela Gutierrez. Meanwhile, the RTC dismissed the case against District Supervisor Joel Gagelonia; spouses Luisito and Femy Vinuya; Operations Officer Carino Julius Canezal; Collection Officer Roel Suarez; Credit Assessment Group Chairperson Rhona Marie Asuncion Resuello-Anover; and Regional Head Rudolph Zoleta.
However, the Sandiganbayan emphasized the importance of continuing the proceedings at the RTC, especially since the case has dragged on for over a decade. It stressed that prioritizing the broader interest of justice requires the RTC to resume hearings promptly.
Importance of Continuing the Grant of P3 Million Loan Case
The anti-graft court also noted that since Quedancor has been dissolved, its operational inefficiencies and overlapping duties with other government agencies must be considered. This makes it even more vital for the RTC to take charge of the case to ensure due process and a fair legal resolution.
“In the mind of the court, the RTC should continue to hear the case. This approach will ensure that due process is upheld and provide both parties with the opportunity to pursue a fair resolution in a timely manner reflecting the court’s commitment to justice and the rule of law,” the decision stated.
Official Decision and Next Steps
The dispositive portion of the Sandiganbayan’s ruling states: “The Orders dated Oct. 9, 2024 and July 30, 2024, of RTC Branch 224, Quezon City are hereby reversed and set aside. Accordingly, the case is reinstated and remanded to the RTC-Branch 224, Quezon City for further proceedings.”
This 20-page decision was penned by Associate Justice Georgina D. Hidalgo alongside Chairperson Associate Justice Ma. Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta and Associate Justice Zaldy V. Trespeses, reflecting a unanimous agreement to restore the case.
For more news and updates on grant of P3 million loan, visit Filipinokami.com.