The Sandiganbayan has affirmed its decision that convicted of malversation of public funds former cashier Nila E. Cariño of the Human Settlements Development Corporation-Maharlika Livelihood Complex (HSDC-MLC) in Baguio City.
Cariño had been found guilty of malversation by the Baguio City regional trial court (RTC). She appealed the decision before the Sandiganbayan which affirmed her conviction in a ruling handed down on June 5, 2023.
Affirmed was her jail term ranging from four to seven years and her perpetual disqualification to hold publice office. Also upheld was the payment of fine amounting to P295,764.18.
Cariño filed a motion for reconsideration. She claimed that the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that she appropriated, took, or misappropriated any public funds or property for her personal use.
In denying her motion, the Sandiganbayan said: "As can be gleaned from accused-appellant's averments in her attempt to persuade the Court to deviate from its previous findings, no new argument was presented which the Court has not already carefully perused, considered, and dissected. All arguments herein raised have already been exhaustively discussed in the now assailed ruling."
Associate Justice Arthur O. Malabaguio wrote the six-page resolution dated Oct. 16, 2023 with the concurrence of Second Division Chairperson Associate Justice Oscar C. Herrera Jr. and Associate Justice Edgardo M. Caldona.