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Friday, March 29, 2024

Ex-Maguindanao gov gets life sentence for graft

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Former Maguindanao Gov. Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan was sentenced to up to 12 years imprisonment for the anomalous purchase of construction and lumber materials intended for the repair of various school buildings from 2008 to 2009.

The anti-graft court’s Fourth Division declared Ampatuan guilty of graft, 63 counts of falsification of public documents, and malversation of public funds.

The court division sentenced him to eight to 12 years imprisonment for the graft charge, six months to eight years for falsification, and reclusion perpetua for the malversation case.

Ampatuan was also sentenced with perpetual disqualification from holding public office even as he was also ordered to pay a fine of P37.74 million representing the malversed funds.

Ampatuan and his co-accused were charged for the irregular purchase of construction materials from Abo Lumberyard and Construction Supply for the repair of school buildings in Maguindanao.

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The Ombudsman said the purchases were not actually made because the supposed supplier was non-existent.

Ampatuan’s lawyers said they will appeal the guilty verdict.

Associate Justice Alex Quiroz, Sandiganbyan Fourth Division chairman, allowed Ampatuan’s release on a P1.58-billion bail pending the resolution of his appeal.

“Accused is given until Monday to post the additional cash bond, double the amount, to enjoy provisional liberty and avail all remedies allowed under the rules,” Quiroz said.

Associate Justice Bayani Jacinto wrote the decision.

Sajid is currently out on bail because he is one of the accused for his alleged involvement in the Ampatuan Massacre in 2009.

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