THE Sandiganbayan on Monday issued a hold departure order on Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito for alleged graft in connection with the questionable procurement of high-powered firearms valued at P2.1 million in 2008.
The Fifth Division also issued HDOs on five former members of San Juan City’s bids and awards committee—ex-city administrator Ranulfo Dacalos, ex-treasurer Rosalinda Marasigan, ex-city attorney Romualdo de los Santos, ex-city budget officer Lorenza Ching and ex-city engineer Danilo Mercardo.
“This court, in exercise of its inherent power to use all means necessary to carry its orders into effect… orders the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration to hold departure from the Philippines of the above-named accused and to include the names of said accused on the Hold Departure List of said Bureau,” the order read.
Associate Justices Rafael Lagos, Maria Theresa Mendoza-Arcega and Zaldy Trespeses signed the order.
The Office of the Ombudsman indicted Ejercito and the other accused of graft charges and filed the complaint before the anti-graft court.
Ejercito was slapped with one count of violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Ejercito and 14 others were also charged with one count of illegal use of public funds or malversation of the Revised Penal Code before the Sixth Division.