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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Ex-Baguio City councilor acquitted of estafa

Ex-Baguio City councilor acquitted of estafa

Published Mar 26, 2022 10:55 am

Sandiganbayan
Sandiganbayan

The Sandiganbayan has acquitted former Baguio City Councilor Rufino M. Panagan of estafa charge filed against him in connection with an application for a bingo franchise in the city in 2003.

Complainant Lumina Peil charged Panagan with estafa or swindling under the Revised Penal Code. She claimed that Panagan got from her P1,985,000 in exchange for a bingo franchise in Baguio City.

The prosecution alleged that Panagan resorted to false representation by using his position as city councilor to collect money from Peil and her husband Arnold, who believed that he (Panagan) could deliver ownership of the bingo franchise.

It was alleged that Panagan could get Nemecio E. Pulumbarit, who is the franchise owner and holder of then established Bingo Pinoy Corporation, to be the Peil spouses’ business partner in a proposed joint venture agreement.

It was also alleged that Panagan made necessary representations that convinced the couple to make advance payments.

In acquitting Panagan, the Sandiganbayan said that the totality of the evidence presented by the prosecution did not show that there was indeed a fraudulent representation made on the part of Panagan.

"The allegations of the prosecution remained to be mere allegations uncorroborated by any other independent and credible documentary or testimonial evidence," the anti-graft court said.

"The prosecution failed to prove the twin elements of deceit or defraudation and damage or prejudice to hold accused Panagan liable for the crime of estafa," it said.

The court said that based on evidence, the cash advances made by Peil and her husband were for the miscellaneous expenses for the processing of the bingo franchise and accused Panagan was able to obtain certain requirements needed for the grant of authority from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

A grant of authority was actually issued to Bingo Pinoy, so the court said there is reasonable doubt whether Panagan made a fraudulent representation that resulted in damage or prejudice against Peil and her husband.

"In the instant case, the prosecution failed to establish all the essential elements and prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. Acquittal, therefore, is in order," the court ruled.

The 21-page decision promulgated last March 25 was written by Associate Justice Michael Frederick L. Musngi. Associate Justices Oscar C. Herrera Jr. and Bayani H. Jacinto concurred.

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