QC Mayor Herbert, 6 others face graft raps

ABS-CBN News

Posted at Aug 31 2012 06:23 PM | Updated as of Sep 01 2012 07:28 AM

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Seedling Bank Foundation Inc. (MSBFI) has filed charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and other city officials over the alleged illegal takeover of the local government of a 7-hectare land in North Triangle.

Also included in the charge sheet filed by MSBFI general manager Leonardo Ligeralde are Officer in Charge (OIC) city treasurer Edgar Villanueva; real estate division chief Atty. Jason Labao; city administrator Victor Endriga; Quezon City Police District director Mario Dela Vega; DPOS chief Elmo San Diego; and National Housing Authority general manager Chito Cruz.

They were charged with graft and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The Quezon City government took over the land located on the corner of Quezon Avenue and EDSA after MSBFI allegedly failed to pay taxes worth around P59 million.

However, MSBFI management claims they are exempt from paying taxes.