Former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governor Nur P. Misuari has asked the Sandiganbayan to reconsider his conviction in two graft cases involving P77 million worth of irregularly procured education materials in 2000 and 2001.
In his motion, Misuari said his conviction is "unfair and unjust" and the ruling must be reconsidered by acquitting him.
He told the anti-graft court that the only clear thing that was proven was that his signatures were found in purported documents that enabled the irregular payment of P31,000,000 to MBJ Learning Tools on Dec. 21, 2000 for the purchase of an Information Technology package and P46,261,250 to CPR Publishing for the procurement of a Multi-Media Information Technology Package. Both packages were not delivered.
He said there was no evidence that would show that the amounts paid were grossly disadvantageous to the government as to "raise alarm bells" to prompt him to examine every detail of the deal. There was likewise no evidence that would prove that undue benefit or advantage was given to any private party, he also said.
At the same time, he insisted that his signatures found in the documents were forged, and he never admitted to having signed anything.
He also argued that the mere signature as approving authority, without anything more, cannot be considered as a presumption of liability on his part.
Misuari and six other persons were found guilty of two graft charges but were acquitted of malversation through falsification charges for failure of the prosecution to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Those found guilty were sentenced to six to eight years imprisonment for each of the two graft cases and ordered perpetually disqualified to hold public office.
Also found guilty by the anti-graft court were former Department of Education - ARMM director III Leovegilda P. Cinches, chief accountant Pangalian M. Maniri, supply officer Sittie Aisa P. Usman, accountant II Alladin D. Usi, Commission on Audit - ARMM resident auditor Nader M. Macagaan, and CPR Publishing owner Criseta D. Ramirez.