Former Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM) Chief Charlie Dungo has pleaded not guilty to a graft case filed against him before the Regional Trial Court Branch 26 in Manila.

Based on the Certificate of Arraignment, Dungo personally appeared before the court, accompanied by his legal counsel, where the charge was read and explained to him. The document also confirmed that Dungo understood the contents and consequences of the charge before entering his plea of not guilty.

Dungo is facing the graft complaint alongside Robert Steven Principe, who is also listed as a co-accused in Criminal Case No. R-MNL-25-01355-CR filed by the People of the Philippines.

According to the court’s directive, the two individuals were charged under Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, also known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The section penalizes public officials who cause undue injury to any party or give unwarranted benefits in the discharge of their official functions.

The complaint was filed by Dr. Flordeliz Villaseñor, the former head of the Manila Tourism Bureau during the administration of former Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada.

The case stems from alleged irregularities during Dungo’s tenure as head of DTCAM. While details of the complaint have not yet been fully disclosed, it reportedly involves the misuse of government resources and violations under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019).

As of today, neither Dungo nor his legal counsel has issued a public statement regarding the arraignment. He has since posted bail for his temporary liberty.