Arias vs.

Sandiganbayan
G. R. Nos. 81563 & 82512
Accused individuals in the Mangahan Floodway Project case are acquitted of
charges due to lack of evidence and failure to establish a conspiracy, highlighting the need
for stronger evidence and deliberate participation in corruption cases.

Facts:
 The Mangahan Floodway Project was initiated by the Bureau of Public Works in 1975 to address the issue of
perennial floods in Marikina and Pasig, Metro Manila.
 The accused individuals, including Arias and Data, were involved in the acquisition of private lands for the right-of-
way of the project.
 The accused allegedly conspired and confabulated with Natividad C. Gutierrez, the attorney-in-fact of Benjamin
Agleham, the registered owner of a parcel of land in Rosario, Pasig.
 The accused officials, including Arias and Data, were charged with causing undue injury, damage, and prejudice to
the government by approving the illegal and irregular disbursement and expenditure of public funds in favor of
Agleham.
 The accused allegedly used falsified documents, including fake tax declarations and certifications, to deceive the
government regarding the true value of the land.

Issue:
 Whether the accused individuals are guilty of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Ruling:
 The accused individuals, including Arias and Data, should be acquitted on grounds of reasonable doubt.

Ratio:
 The court finds that there is no clear factual basis for the alleged overpricing of the land. The prosecution failed to
prove that the true and fair market value of the land was indeed P5.00 per square meter, as stated in the tax
declaration.
 The court also finds that there is no sufficient evidence to establish a conspiracy among the accused individuals. The
mere fact that they were negligent or failed to question the transaction does not necessarily prove their guilt.
 The court emphasizes that the remedy for addressing corruption in public works projects is not to indict and jail
every person involved in the project, but to focus on those who have knowingly and deliberately participated in the
illegal activities.

Conclusion:
 Arias and Data are acquitted of the charges against them due to lack of evidence and no undue injury caused to the
government.
 The court emphasizes the need for stronger evidence and a more deliberate participation in illegal activities to
establish guilt in corruption cases.