Ex-MMDA official to return P5.3-M unexplained wealth

MANILA, Philippines – The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan has allowed a former official of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and his wife to withdraw their pending appeal in their unexplained wealth case.

The Sandiganbayan Fourth Division declared the appeal of former MMDA Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group director Roberto Esquivel and wife Marissa Esquivel withdrawn and their unexplained wealth case dismissed on their manifestation to pay P5,307,079.70 — the full cost of the judgment.

“It appearing that respondents-appellants, are indubitably no longer interested in pursuing their appeal…there is no longer any rhyme or reason to further maintain or otherwise carry forward the present appellate proceedings before the Sandiganbayan,” the anti-graft court said.

The Office of the Ombudsman had filed the petition for forfeiture of unexplained wealth against the Esquivels based on Republic Act No. 1379 which provides that a prima facie presumption of unlawfully acquired assets arise where a public officer accumulates assets that are “manifestly out of proportion” to his salary and other lawful income.

Case details

Based on case records, the San Pedro City, Laguna Regional Trial Court ruled on January 18, 2023 that the Esquivel couple had amassed P6,859,589.70 in unexplained wealth.

The defendants filed a motion for reconsideration, which the Laguna court partially granted on April 12, 2023, bringing down the assessment to P5,307,079.70.

The court then issued a writ of attachment against known properties of the Esquivels, which remains in effect.

On February 11, 2025, the defendants filed before the Court of Appeals a motion to withdraw their appeal at the RTC as they had decided pay P5,307,079.70. Upon presenting proof of payment of the judgment cost, the Esquivels asked for the termination of their case and the lifting of the attachment issued on their properties.

The Court of Appeals said it could not act on the motion as it is the Sandiganbayan that has exclusive jurisdiction over the case. – Rappler.com