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2nd graft, malversation cases dismissed vs. dead accused

Philippines | National

2nd graft, malversation cases dismissed vs. dead accused

By Czarina Nicole Ong Ki

Sandiganbayan

The Sandiganbayan has dismissed the second graft and malversation cases involving P4.9 million in Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of former North Cotabato 2^nd District Rep. Gregorio Tocmo Ipong filed against the late Aaron Foundation Philippines, Inc. (AFPI) president Alfredo A. Ronquillo due to his death.

His first graft and malversation cases involving P9.6 million had been dismissed in September 2020 due to his death long before the cases were filed.

His co-accused in the P4.9 million PDAF cases, aside from Ipong, are Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) Director General Antonio Ortiz, TLRC Deputy Director General Dennis Cunanan, and TLRC Chief Accountant Marivic Jover. The cases are still undergoing trial by the Sandiganbayan.

The first cases involving P9.6 million had resulted in the conviction of Ipong, Cunanan and Jover. On Sept. 11, 2020, they were sentenced to a prison term ranging from six to 10 years for graft, and from 12 years and one day to 18 years and eight months for malversation.

In both cases, the prosecution said that Ipong and the other accused allowed AFPI to use the money even if Roquillo’s foundation was unaccredited and unqualified to undertake projects for which the funds were allotted.

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