The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed the 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 a 74.7-hectare property in Hacienda Conchita, Barangay Granada in this city.
The complaints, which alleged violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, were dismissed for lack of substantial evidence.
Local radio blocktimer Roger Ledesma filed the complaint, alleging that the property—classified as agricultural land and covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) for land banking—was overpriced. The property was acquired for P971.8 million in October 2023.
In its ruling, the Ombudsman said the evidence showed that the property was neither overpriced nor covered by CARP.
On Monday, Benitez welcomed the resolution dismissing the complaint 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,’ Benitez added.
‘That being said, I understand that scrutiny comes with public office. It is part of accountability, and I respect the process,’ the lawmaker 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.