SC upholds graft conviction of ex-Laguna guv ER Ejercito

The Supreme Court (SC) upheld the graft conviction of former Laguna Governor Emilio Ramon "ER" Ejercito for approving an illegal insurance contract in 2008 as Pagsanjan mayor.

Ejercito and Marilyn Bruel, owner of First Rapids Care Ventures (FRCV), were found guilty of violating Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The conviction carries a sentence of up to eight years in prison and a lifetime ban from public office.

The case originated from a complaint by the United Boatmen Association of Pagsanjan, alleging that Ejercito and other local officials awarded the contract for accident protection and financial assistance for tourists and boatmen without public bidding.

Investigations revealed that FRCV lacked the necessary license from the Insurance Commission.

The SC rejected Ejercito's defense that FRCV was the only qualified provider and public bidding was not necessary, stating that insurance is classified as "goods" requiring competitive bidding under the Government Procurement Reform Act.