The Sandiganbayan has acquitted a former mayor of Molave, Zamboanga del Sur over the alleged anomalous procurement of overpriced and expired medicines worth P1.8 million.
In a 36-page decision promulgated on December 9, the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division cleared former mayor Flavio Saniel Jr. and others of the charge of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practice Act for the failure of the prosecution to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
However, the court said that the accused had presented copies of the invitations to bid that was posted in three places in the municipality and sent to prospective bidders. “At any rate, ‘suspicious’ circumstances or even the alleged haste by which the transactions were accomplished are not the ‘proof beyond reasonable doubt’ demanded to secure a conviction,” the court said.
The court further said that the prosecution and COA had the case “all wrong” regarding the expiration of the medicine before they were delivered to the actual beneficiaries.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sandiganbayan junks motion to dismiss 22-year-old graft case vs Bacoor ex-mayorThe Sandiganbayan rejects the move of a former mayor of Bacoor City, Cavite, to dismiss a graft case against him that has lasted for 22 years and counting.
Read more »
Sandiganbayan dismisses forfeiture cases vs ex-AFP comptroller Carlos GarciaThe Sandiganbayan has dismissed the forfeiture cases against former military comptroller Carlos Garcia following the implementation of the plea bargaining agreement.
Read more »
In Zamboanga Sibugay, brew comes out of rebel lairsWith NPA guerrillas turning their back on the underground communist movement, the rebels’ brew has found its way into the local wellness market, attracting a growing clientele. | alipalajulieINQ /PDI
Read more »
ABL: Zamboanga falters in clutch, wastes 15-point lead as Malaysia escapesNS Matrix Malaysia trips up the Zamboanga Valientes in the 2023 ABL Invitational one day after the Philippines' representatives fell short against the Saigon Heat
Read more »
26 estudyante, 2 guro at principal, sugatan matapos putaktihin ng mga bubuyog ang kanilang paaralanNagtamo ng mga sugat sa likod, kamay at mukha at namamaga ang mga labi ng 26 estudyante, dalawang guro at isang principal matapos putaktihin ng mga bubuyog ang kanilang paaralan sa Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte.
Read more »
Muchas Gracias, Fr. AngelFr. Angel Calvo, CMF receives a plaque of appreciation from the Katilingban sa Kalambuan in Zamboanga City on Saturday, 07 January 2023 during a farewell gathering held in his honor. Fr. Angel bids…
Read more »