Ombudsman clears Rep. Benitez, 18 others in Bacolod land deal

BACOLOD CITY—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