Sandiganbayan convicts ex-Davao Norte mayor

Antalan allegedly received for his personal benefit P300,000 from Samal Island Multi-Purpose Cooperative. #AnianoPAntalan

Former Garden City of Samal mayor Aniano Paraiso Antalan. (DTI-Davao del Norte)

The anti-graft court has convicted former Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte mayor Aniano Paraiso Antalan over his alleged illegal receipt of funds from a cooperative.

He was charged with violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and two counts of indirect bribery under Article 211 of the Revised Penal Code for allegedly receiving for his personal benefit P300,000 from Samal Island Multi-Purpose Cooperative, with which the Island Garden City of Samal had procurement contracts for the purchase of fuel, oil and lubricants wherein he, in his official capacity had to intervene under the law in 2014.

In March, Antalan entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment before the court. But in May, he submitted an application to enter into a plea bargaining agreement with the prosecution to plead guilty to a lesser offense of violation of Section 7 of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

“After evaluating the facts of the case and the manifestations by the parties to the case, the Court hereby allows the parties to enter into plea bargaining wherein accused Antalan, with the consent of the Ombudsman, through the Office of the Special Prosecutor, is allowed to plead guilty to a lesser offense under Section 7 (a) and (d) of RA 6713.”

Section 7 (a) of the law states that public officials and employees shall not, directly or indirectly, have any financial or material interest in any transaction requiring the approval of their office.

Section 7 (d) states that officials should not accept directly or indirectly, any gift or anything of monetary value from any person in the course of their official duties.

“The Court deems the prosecution’s manifestation as sufficient to allow the withdrawal of accused Antalan’s former plea and to permit him to enter a plea of guilty to a lesser offense,” the Court said.