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Elizabeth Marcelo - The Philippine Star
December 6, 2025 | 12:00am
In the promulgation of decision yesterday, the anti-graft court’s Sixth Division held that the Office of the Ombudsman failed to present sufficient evidence to prove that Purisima and his co-accused were guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Philstar.com / Irra Lising
MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has acquitted former Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima and 16 other former PNP officials and private individuals of graft in connection with the alleged anomalous P100-million courier service deal in 2011.
In the promulgation of decision yesterday, the anti-graft court’s Sixth Division held that the Office of the Ombudsman failed to present sufficient evidence to prove that Purisima and his co-accused were guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Purisima and the 16 other defendants were specifically acquitted of violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, a provision which prohibits public officials from giving unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference to a private party or from causing any party, including the government, undue injury.
Also acquitted were former PNP officials Napoleon Estilles, Gil Meneses, Raul Petrasanta, Allan Parreño, Eduardo Acierto, Melchor Reyes, Lenbell Fabia, Sonia Calixto, Nelson Bautista, Ford Tuazon and Ricardo Zapata Jr.
The five incorporators of Werfast Documentary Agency – Mario Juan, Salud Bautista, Enrique Valerio, Lorna Perena and Juliana Pasia – were also found not guilty.
Filed by the ombudsman in 2016, the case stemmed from a courier service contract the PNP entered into with Werfast in 2011 for the delivery of firearms licenses to applicants.
The ombudsman said the contract was awarded to Werfast without a public bidding and despite the company’s supposed lack of track record and qualifications as a courier service firm.
The ombudsman said Werfast was not yet registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission when the contract was entered into in May 2011.
Furthermore, the ombudsman said the company was not authorized by the Department of Transportation and Communications (now Department of Transportation) to offer courier delivery service.
