The Sandiganbayan has cleared Surigao del Norte’s San Benito Mayor Rushford Dedumo of charges of graft in connection with the supposed irregular hiring of his sister as a consultant in 2010.
In an 11-page decision, the anti-graft court's Fourth Division said the Office of the Ombudsman's prosecution was not able to establish the guilt of Dedumo beyond reasonable doubt.
The justices also lifted the mayor’s hold departure order.
The mayor's sister, Flordeliza Dedumo-Coro, was also acquitted of the same charge.
The rap stemmed when hired Coro as a consultant despite a Supreme Court decision disqualifying her from holding or accepting any position in government.
Coro received a cash advance worth P22,760 for travel expenses even if she was not an employee.
The Sandiganbayan said the prosecution failed to present any evidence that he appointed Coro.
“None has been presented. Neither were copies of her service record, daily time record, or the municipality’s payroll showing that accused Coro was receiving compensation,” the decision read.
The cash advance was for the reimbursement of Coro and was received in good faith because she must travel to Manila to “advise” Dedumo on the municipal government's loan with the Philippine National Bank.
The trip was for an official purpose.
The Sandiganbayan gave weight to the testimony of Coro that she did not receive compensation but just helped his brother.