MikeLigalig.com

By SANDY ARANETA
The Philippine Star

The Sandiganbayan has denied the motion to quash the graft charges against a provincial official of Western Samar who, together with Gov. Milagros Tee Tan and five other local executives, are facing eight counts of graft for the alleged anomalous purchase of electric fans and assorted medicines and goods worth over P16 million.

Associate Justice Jose Hernandez of the Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division, who penned the resolution, branded as "dilatory" the motion to quash filed by provincial administrative officer Rolando Montejo.

The Sandiganbayan said Montejo filed his motion to quash only after the 30-day prescribed period.

Associate Justices Gregory Ong, who chairs the Fourth Division, and Samuel Martires concurred with the five-page resolution.

Aside from Tan, Montejo’s other co-accused are Damiano Conde, provincial treasurer; Romeo Reales, provincial accountant; Maximo Sison, provincial budget officer; Aurelio Bardaje Jr., general services officer; and Numberiano Legaspi, record officer and inspector of the General Services Office.