8 ex-police execs lose appeal in P358-M ‘ghost’ repairs case
The Sandiganbayan affirmed graft convictions of eight former PNP officers in a P358-million 'ghost' repairs case for armored vehicles from 2007, while acquitting one respondent.
The Sandiganbayan's Special Fourth Division affirmed graft convictions against eight former Philippine National Police (PNP) officers on March 16, 2026, in a P358 million 'ghost repairs' case involving fraudulent procurement for 28 armored vehicles (Cadillac Gage Commando V-150s) in 2007. The court denied their motions for reconsideration in a 37-page resolution, upholding penalties under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) for bypassing bidding procedures and falsifying documents. The convicted individuals include Emmanuel Ojeda (former PNP Bids and Awards Committee chairperson), Analee Forro, Reuel Leverne Labrado, Josefina Dumanew, Victor Puddao, Warlito Tubon, Eulito Fuentes, and Alex Barrameda, mostly from the PNP Logistics Support Service's Bids and Awards Committee (BAC).
The court acquitted one co-accused, former Police Colonel Henry Duque, due to reasonable doubt over his involvement and a possibly forged signature, as he was not a BAC member at the time and lacked participatory role in the conspiracy. The division, led by Associate Justice Michael Frederick Musngi (with Lorifel Lacap Pahimna and Ermin Ernest Louie Miguel), ruled the eight had an active 'participatory role' in the conspiracy, where 'the act of one is the act of all.' Appeals claiming mere ministerial duties or lack of intent to deceive were rejected, as evidence showed deliberate irregularities in procurement for PNP Special Action Force vehicles.
Penalties from the December 2025 initial ruling, upheld in March 2026, include: Ojeda, Labrado, Dumanew, Forro, and Puddao receiving 24-40 years imprisonment for four counts of graft; Tubon receiving 12-20 years for two counts; and Fuentes and Barrameda receiving 6-10 years for one count. All face perpetual disqualification from public office. The case involved P358 million in fraudulent transactions where no actual repairs occurred despite payments for parts and services for the armored vehicles.
The case originated from 2013 Ombudsman complaints alleging falsified bidding for non-existent parts, repairs, and maintenance on V150 vehicles, creating an illusion of legitimate procurement. The court found that the officials conspired to approve fictitious procurement documents and release payments for ghost repairs, causing undue injury to the government. The March 2026 ruling represents the final affirmation of convictions after appeals, bringing closure to a nearly two-decade-old corruption case involving high-ranking former police officials.
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