Palawan 3rd district Rep. Edward Hagedorn (Facebook)

Palawan 3rd district Rep. Edward Hagedorn maintained his innocence Saturday, July 1 following his conviction of malversation charges by the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court.

He also felt compelled to clarify that the charge didn't involve the misuse of public funds.

"I am saddened by the recent Decision of the Third Division of the Sandiganbayan in the case against me, People v. Edward S. Hagedorn in Criminal Case for  Malversation of public property," the congressman said in a statement sent to House of Representatives reporters.

"I would like to clarify that while the charge against me pertains to malversation, this case does not involve any taking or misuse of public funds. It is about PNP (Philippine National Police)-issued firearms which I was accused of not returning," he said.

"However, I maintain my innocence of these charges and I maintain that I turned these firearms over to the PNP. I firmly believe that the evidence will eventually vindicate me," he underscored.

The Sandiganbayan decision stems from the disappearance of 14 armalite rifles in 2013. Hagedorn had failed to account for them.

"In my years of public service, I have never enriched myself at the expense of the Filipino people. I steadfastly maintain my innocence of these charges against me," he stressed, and adding, "I will pursue all the available remedies within the moral confines of the law."

"While this is ongoing, I will continue to perform my constitutionally mandated duties to represent the interests of the people of the third district of Palawan in the House of Representatives," Hagedorn said.