Anti-graft advocate Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong was cleared of any criminal responsibility in the reported anomalous 2023 purchase of a PhP95 million land in Tuba, Benguet.

The Office of the Ombudsman junked the criminal and administrative case after finding no evidence to hold him accountable for alleged reported transaction.

This was second time Magalong was cleared of violating Republic ACt No. 3019 or the the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act filed by former City Councilor Maria Mylen Victora G. Yaranon.

On July 9, the Ombudsman rejected the criminal and administrative complaints filed by Yaranon in connection with alleged irregularities in the PhP50 million government-funded infrastructure project in the Irisan Barangay Complex.

Two days later, the Ombudsman sent Magalong another resolution clearing him of any criminal responsibility on the land sale case.

In the 19-page joint resolution released to Magalong on July 11, the Ombudsman said it found no evidence to hold him accountable of from a string of administrative charges that included grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials.

Yaranon filed the charges against Magalong who allegedly signed a Deed of Absolute Sale for the acquisition of two parcels of land from William U. Tan Jr. and his daughter, Hazel Dominique Tan, notwithstanding the absence of an authorization from the city council.

The property totaling over 63,000 square meters were purchased by the city government at a cost of PhP95.37 million. It was to be developed into a low-cost housing project by the city government.

According to Yaranon the city government paid in full within 13 days although the owners are agreeable to a staggered payment scheme.

In resolving the case, the Ombudsman noted that Yaranon has failed to establish criminal liability on the part of Magalong.

The anti-graft body also pointed out that the Baguio City local chief executive is already clothed with authority to negotiate the sale based on the existing ordinances providing for the implementation of land and housing programs.