The Sandiganbayan has decided to try the graft case filed against the former mayor of Lawaan, Eastern Samar to refute allegations that she used public funds to repair her own sport-utility vehicle instead of seeking the outright dismissal of her case.
This as the anti-graft court’s Second Division denied Former Mayor Candida Gabornes’ motion for leave of court to file demurrer to evidence.
Gabornes was accused of using public funds amounting to P41,801.14 for the repair of her sports utility vehicle in 2012.
“After a careful review of the records of the case and the evidence of the prosecution, the court denies the motion of accused Candida. Accused failed to show that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient to establish prima facie case against them,” the Sandiganbayan said.
A demurrer to evidence is a plea to the court to dismiss outright a case, based solely on the evidence presented by the prosecution.
The Ombudsman said purchased spare parts and tires were used for the privately-owned Mitsubishi Montero SUV of Gabornes.
