The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed criminal and administrative complaints filed against Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and 18 other city officials and private individuals in connection with the city’s purchase of 74.7 hectares of land in Hacienda Conchita in Barangay Granada, Bacolod City.
Th Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the complaints for violation of the Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees for lack of substantial evidence.
The complainant was filed by local radio blocktimer Roger Ledesma who alleged that the property classified as agricultural land and covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law intended for land banking was overpriced.
The property was purchased for P971.8 million in October 2023.
The Ombudsman ruled that based on evidence presented the property was not overpriced and was not covered by CARP.
Benitez on Monday, April 27, welcomed the resolution of the Office of the Ombudsman dismissing the complaint filed against him and his co-respondents.
“From the very beginning, I have maintained that all actions we have taken were done in accordance with the law and due process. Simply put, these were based on what we believed was in the best interest of the people of Bacolod,” he said.
“ The findings affirm that there was no basis to hold us administratively or criminally liable, and that there was no clear showing of overpricing, conflict of interest, or bad faith in the transaction. In short, everything was above board,” he added.
“That being said, I understand that scrutiny comes with public office. It is part of accountability, and I respect the process,” Benitez said.
Now that the matter has been resolved, Benitez said his focus remains unchanged.
“ We will continue to do the work—strengthening our local economy, improving basic services, and ensuring that every decision we make delivers real value to our people. We move forward more determined than ever to serve with integrity, discipline, and purpose,” he said.*
[sibwp_form id=1]