Former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governor Nur Misuari and six others were found guilty of two counts of graft by the Sandiganbayan Third Division over “ghost” purchases amounting to P77 million worth of learning tools from 2000 to 2001.
Misuari and his six co-accused, namely, Leovigilda Cinches, Pangalian Maniri, Sittie Aisa Usman, Alladin Usi, Nader Macagaan and Cristeta Ramirez, were sentenced to six to eight years for each count of graft topped with a perpetual disqualification from public office.
Misuari, through the same ruling, was cleared of the charge of malversation of public funds.
In his defense, the former head of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) said the alleged illegal transaction were carried out during the time of his successor, Parouk Hussin. The date in which the purchases had been made was in 2003 to 2004.
In September 2018, Misuari sought for his case to be dismissed, raising zero evidence and inordinate delay as his defense.
Misuari filed a motion for reconsideration on January 14 after his plea for dismissal was denied, raising again the issue that the said transaction was accomplished way beyond his term as ARMM governor.