Palawan Rep. Edward Hagedorn on Sunday expressed disappointment over his conviction of malversation of public property involving 14 unaccounted pieces of Armalite rifle.
“I am saddened by the recent decision of the Third Division of the Sandiganbayan in the case against me, People v. Edward S. Hagedorn in Criminal Case for malversation of public property,” he cited.
“I would like to clarify that while the charge against me pertains to malversation, this case does not involve any taking or misuse of public funds. It is about Philippine National Police-issued firearms which I was accused of not returning. However, I maintain my innocence of these charges and I maintain that I turned these firearms over to the PNP. I firmly believe that the evidence will eventually vindicate me,” his statement read.
“In my years of public service, I have never enriched myself at the expense of the Filipino people. I steadfastly maintain my innocence of these charges against me. I will not allow this unfortunate judgment to dampen my faith in the justice system and the rule of law. I will pursue all the available remedies within the moral confines of the law. Thus, the sub judice rule precludes me from speaking further on the merits of this case,” he further stated.
He added that “while this is ongoing, I will continue to perform my constitutionally mandated duties to represent the interests of the people of the Third District of Palawan in the House of Representatives.”