For lack of jurisdiction, the Sandiganbayan has allowed the prosecution to withdraw the case against former Mayor Abubacar P. Maulana of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Maulana was accused of violating the provisions of RA 6713 for reportedly misdeclaring in his 2016 statement of assets liabilities and net worth (SALN) the acquisition cost of a 2002 van at only P750,000 when the vehicle was actually purchased for P2 million.
The alleged offense was committed after the date of the effectivity of RA 10660, the law that strengthens the structural organization of the Sandiganbayan.
RA 10660 provides that the regional trial court (RTC) has exclusive and original jurisdiction on cases where there are no allegations of any damage to the government or any bribery.
The prosecution asked the Sandiganbayan to dismiss Maulana’s case for lack of jurisdiction.
“Clearly, this Court has no jurisdiction over the said case. It is unnecessary to determine if continuing with the proceedings in SB-19-CRM-0145 will be more favorable to the accused, considering that this Court has no power and authority to hear, try and decide the said case,” the Sandigabayan said.
Associate Justice Sarah Jane T. Fernandez, chairperson of the Sandiganbayan’s sixth division, wrote the resolution with the concurrence of Associate Justices Karl B. Miranda and Kevin Narce B. Vivero.