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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Sandigan affirms graft, malversation conviction of ex-Davao del Norte lawmaker

Sandigan affirms graft, malversation conviction of ex-Davao del Norte lawmaker

Published Oct 4, 2023 02:04 am

The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the conviction of former Davao del Norte congressman Arrel R. Olaño for the misuse of his P7.72 million Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) in 2007.

Olaño had been convicted of three graft and three malversation charges together with businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles.  He was also found guilty in one case of direct bribery. He filed a motion for reconsideration which was denied by the anti-graft court.

The cases against Olaño arose from his receipt of P3.175 million from Napoles for endorsing Philippine Social Development Foundation, Inc. (PSDFI) and Countrywide Agri and Rural Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (CARED) as "project partners" in the implementation of livelihood projects for barangays in the 1st district of Davao del Norte.

In his motion for reconsideration, Olaño argued that the memoranda of agreement and liquidation papers presented during the trial were not properly authenticated. He also denied endorsing CARED and PSDFI because he said it was the Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) that selected the said non-government organizations (NGOs).

He also pointed out that even if he wished to endorse CARED and PSDFI, it was ultimately the TLRC that approved their partnership.

But the Sandiganbayan junked his allegations.  The court said his arguments lacked merit because the prosecution was successful in establishing how he endorsed CARED and PSDFI as project co-implementers even without undergoing competitive public bidding.

"In sum, the totality of evidence established that in consideration for the kickbacks he received, accused-movant Olaño misused his position to select and endorse CARED and PSDFI as supposed co-implementers of non-existent PDAF funded projects without the benefit of public bidding nor authorized by any appropriation law or ordinance with the end of eventually funneling the proceeds thereof through said entities for the benefit of accused Napoles and of his own," the court said in its resolution.

The nine-page resolution was written by Associate Justice Edgardo M. Caldona with the concurrence of Associate Justices Oscar C. Herrera Jr. and Arthur O. Malabaguio.

Aside from Olaño and Napoles, former TLRC group manager Maria Rosalinda M. Lacsamana was also convicted of three graft and three malversation charges. Mylene T. Encarnacion of CARED was found guilty of one graft and one malversation charge, while Evelyn D. de Leon of the PSDFI was found guilty of two graft and two malversation charges.

Related Tags

janet lim napoles Sandiganbayan Janet Napoles davao del norte court case conviction Davao del Norte Janet Lim-Napoles
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