House Deputy Speaker and Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has announced that he will no longer pursue any countercharges against Roger Ledesma, who had filed administrative and criminal complaints against him and other city officials over a landbanking project.
On April 14, 2026, the Ombudsman Visayas dismissed the complaints for lack of sufficient evidence. The cases were filed against Benitez, who was then mayor, along with several city councilors and private individuals, concerning the government's purchase of land in Hacienda Conchita, Barangay Granada, Bacolod City.
The complaints alleged violations of Section 3 (g) of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), grave misconduct, and violations of RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees). Respondents included Councilors Al Victor Espino, Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Esrael Salanga, Em Ang, Celia Matea Flor, Psyche Marie Sy, Lady Gles Pallen, and Jason Villarosa, as well as former councilors Cindy Rojas, Vladimir Gonzalez, Simplicia Distrito, and Ayesha Joy Villaflor. Also named were Raymond Danico, deputy register of deeds, and private individuals Jose Maria Ledesma Jr., Sebastian Antonio Ledesma, Gerardo Ledesma, Antonio Ma. Ledesma, and Ma. Eugenia Ledesma.
Benitez stated, "I will no longer be pursuing any counter-charge against the complainant." He emphasized that the issues had been thoroughly addressed and that the Ombudsman's ruling affirmed there was no basis for the allegations. "For me, that is more than enough. The dismissal of all cases stands as our full vindication," he added.
The lawmaker explained that further legal action would serve no meaningful purpose. "It would only consume time and resources better devoted to public service. We choose to move forward, guided by the truth that has now been clearly established, and to continue focusing on our work for the people," Benitez said.
The complainant, Ledesma, filed the complaints on March 13, 2025, alleging that the respondents were involved in selling and buying lots classified as agricultural land under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law at prices exceeding market value. He also cited conflict of interest among committee members and a hasty transfer of title without clearance from the Department of Agrarian Reform.
The Ombudsman found no substantial evidence that the public respondents violated any rules or committed any violation of RA 6713 that would make them administratively liable. Bacolod City had previously acquired 74 hectares in Barangay Granada as part of its land banking initiative, funded by a P4.4 billion loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines.
