The Sandiganbayan convicted former Maguindanao governor Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan of graft and malversation over irregularities in the disbursement of P400 million intended for the construction and rehabilitation of several farm-to-market roads in the province.
In a 66-page decision penned by Associate Justice Bernelito Fernandez, the anti-graft court’s third division said Ampatuan failed to liquidate the cash advances incurred for the FMR projects in 2009. This despite repeated demands from the Commission on Audit (COA).
“Hence, it is without doubt … that he appropriated, took, misappropriated or consented, or through abandonment or negligence, permitted another person to take them – is present,” the Sandiganabyan ruled.
“Accused Ampatuan, using his position and employing an unlawful scheme, was able to misappropriate the amount meant for the construction, repair and rehabilitation of the subject twenty two FMRs,” it added.
For the crime of violation of Section 3 ( c ) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practice Act, Ampatuan was sentenced to imprisonment of eight years to maximum of 12 years.
For the malversation of public funds under Article 217 of the Revised penal Code, Ampatuan was sentenced to reclusion perpetua and ordered to pay a fine in the amount of P393 million, representing the value of the amount malversed.
“As restitution, accused Ampatuan is further ordered to pay the same amount of P393,000,000.00 to the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, through the Bureau of Treasury, with interest of six percent (6%) per annum from the finality of this Decision, until fully paid.
Ampatuan is also perpetually disqualified to hold any public office, according to the anti-graft court.
