Sandigan upholds ex-mayor’s conviction
The court found Edma and Catanus guilty of violating Republic Act 9184, or the Government Procurement Reform Act
Daily TribuneThe court found Edma and Catanus guilty of violating Republic Act 9184, or the Government Procurement Reform Act
Former San Fernando, Bukidnon mayor Laurencia Edma will still face up to 10 years in prison after the Sandiganbayan upheld the ex-mayor's conviction of graft and falsification of public documents in connection with the anomalous acquisition of heavy equipment without public bidding in 2004.
In a 13-page resolution, the seventh division of the anti-corruption court dismissed Edma's motion for reconsideration for lack of merit, citing the absence of any new arguments from her camp.
The Sandiganbayan ruled that Edma and her co-accused, former municipal accountant Felipa Catanus, state auditor Carlito Matias and private respondent Bernardita Basay, proprietor of the Mindanao Philippine Sunday Journal failed to make any meritorious arguments in their joint plea to overturn its August 2022 decision.
"The accused were not able to sufficiently prove any strong justification which would warrant the reversal, much less modification, of the assailed decision," the court said in an October 2022 ruling.
The court found Edma and Catanus guilty of violating Republic Act 9184, or the Government Procurement Reform Act, by approving the acquisition of a tractor bulldozer and vibratory soil compaction for P19.4 million without conducting competitive bidding.
They are sentenced six to 10 years of jail time for breaking procurement laws.
Edma and Matias were also found guilty of fabricating public documents, which carries an additional two to eight years in prison and a fine of P15,000.
The Sandiganbayan dismissed Edma's appeal for lack of merit.
"In fine, the accused were not able to sufficiently prove any strong justification which would warrant the reversal, much less modification, of the assailed decision," said the anti-graft court.
All defendants are also permanently barred from holding public office.
