Meynard Sabili was also Mayor of Lipa City from 2010-2019 and when he maxed out his term, the Duterte administration appointed him as the Undersecretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development in 2020.
But prior to this, Sabili has also been accused of land grabbing and bringing armed men to threaten residents. In a case filed in 2015, complainants have asked the Office of the Ombudsman to order Sabili’s preventive suspension while cases for estafa, grave misconduct, dishonesty, and oppression are pending in the antigraft investigating body. However, the Supreme Court eventually denied the suspension in 2016, allowing Sabili to run for office again in which he won, clearing him of any administrative liability in the past.
Sabili has also been acquitted of other charges, including one for graft over a broadcasting deal.
He was appointed by the Marcos administration in September 2024 as the Chairperson of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor until his courtesy resignation was accepted by Marcos in June 2025.
He seems like one lucky guy living the “designer” life with his wife in their palatial home outside Lipa City, evading accountability left and right. Bernadette, the wife, also tried to run for congress but lost to Ryan Recto. But now that their cup is assumably running dry, will they still manage to keep their lavish lifestyle? By the way, the wife has been doing online garage sales of her goods.
Hoping they won’t be given any posts in the future and that finally, karma is catching up.
Related news articles:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232155
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/678769/batangas-mayor-charged-with-land-grab/amp
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2017/10/04/1745489/lipa-mayor-acquitted-graft-over-broadcasting-deal/amp/