The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the graft conviction of former Pagsanjan Mayor Emilio Ramon “ER” Ejercito for approving an illegal insurance deal in 2008.
In a 16-page decision, the SC affirmed that Ejercito and Marilyn Brue, owners of First Rapids Care Ventures (FRCV), violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The two were sentenced to up to eight years in prison and banned from holding public office permanently.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the United Boatmen Association of Pagsanjan, accusing Ejercito and other local officials of awarding a contract to FRCV without public bidding.
The SC disagreed with Ejercito’s defense, ruling that the contract required public bidding under the Government Procurement Reform Act, as it was classified as insurance and FRCV lacked the necessary qualifications.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 27, 2025
