The Sandiganbayan has convicted former Maguindanao governor Datu Sajid Ampatuan of graft and malversation through falsification of public documents in connection with the P98.2 million worth purchase of palay, corn, seeds and fertilizers in 2009.
Ampatuan is currently vice mayor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha town.
The court also sentenced Ampatuan, along with former provincial budget officer Datu Ali Abpi Al Haj and former provincial agriculturist Mosibicak Guiabel to a prison term ranging from eight to 12 years and perpetual disqualification to hold public office.
Ampatuan and Al Haj were convicted of malversation through falsification of public documents and were sentenced to life imprisonment. They were also ordered to return the P98.2 million to the Bureau of Treasury.
The prosecution accused Ampatuan and his co-accused of
evading public bidding when they opted for negotiated purchase of palay, corn, seeds, and fertilizers from Tamoni Enterprises on June 3, 2009 in violation of the law.
The anti-graft court also established that Tamoni was awarded the contract even if the firm “was not technically, legally, and financially capable.”
“Although Tamoni Enterprises possesses the necessary permits, its financial capacity to supply the fertilizers, palay, and corn seeds remains doubtful,” the court said in a 57-page decision penned by Associate Justices Bernelito Fernandez.
“Furthermore, during the ocular inspection conducted by the Special Audit Team, the declared business address of Tamoni Enterprise was also the residence of its owner, and there were no stocks of fertilizers, palay, or corn seeds thereat,” the ruling stated.
“Taken together, there is clearly evident bad faith and manifest partiality to favor the supplier,” the court noted.
Guiabel and Al Haj were convicted of an additional graft charge, while Guiabel was found guilty of another charge of malversation through falsification for misappropriating of P49.9 million on Sept. 26, 2008.
Former provincial accountant John Estelito Dollosa Jr. and provincial treasurer Osmena Bandila remained at large, and their cases were ordered archived pending their arrest.
Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang and Associate Justice Ronald Moreno concurred in the decision.