SC affirms dismissal of charges vs sacked Pampanga mayor

The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the dismissal of the graft and malversation of public funds charges filed against dismissed Mayor Teddy C. Tumang of Mexico, Pampanga and a private individual for violation of their right to speedy disposition of their cases.

- By REY G. PANALIGAN

Affirmed was the Sandiganbayan June 10, 2024 ruling that dismissed the charges filed by the Office of the Ombudsman (OB) vis-à-vis Tumang and businessman William B. Colis. The anti-graft court’s ruling was challenged before the SC by the OMB through its Office of Special Prosecutor.

The SC decision, written by Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan and made public last April 2, dismissed the petition filed by the OMB.

Tumang was reelected mayor in 2022 while the cases against him were pending. He was ordered dismissed by the OMB whose ruling was affirmed by the Court of Appeals (CA).

He challenged the CA’s decision before the SC and pleaded for his reinstatement. His plea contained in his appeal is still pending resolution by the SC.

Case records showed that Tumang and Colis were charged for the purchase of base coarse and other construction materials for Mexico town from 2006 to 2007. Tumang as mayor “illegally and invalidly” approved the disbursement vouchers in favor Colis, the proprietor of Buyu Trading and Construction.

On Feb 7, 2018, Tumang and Colis were asked by the OMB to file their counter-affidavits which they did on Feb. 28, 2018.