Ex-Pangasinan Gov., 5 pa abswelto sa graft

ABSWELTO sa kasong graft si dating Pangasinan governor Amado Espino Jr. at limang iba pa sa umano’y iligal na black sand mining sa Lingayen Gulf.
“The HDO (Hold Departure Order) issued against the said accused by reason of these cases is hereby lifted and set aside, and the bonds posted for their provisional liberty are hereby ordered released,” ayon sa Sandiganbayan.
Kasama nito si dating provincial administrator Rafael Baraan, at sina Cesar Detera, Edwin Alcazar, at Lolita Bolayog.
“No evidence on record would show that the accused private individuals had any agreement or understanding with accused Espino, Baraan, and Bigay for them to bypass or circumvent the requirements… and commit the offense as charged,” anila.
“No proof was adduced showing that they performed overt acts aimed at the same criminal design. The prosecution also failed to demonstrate a well-grounded belief that all the accused had prima facie foreknowledge of the alleged irregularities,” dagdag ng Sandiganbayan.
Nitong 2016, inihain sa Sandiganbayan ang kasong ito sabwatan sa mga akusado at ng mga opisyal at direktor ng Alexandra Mining at Xypher Builders.