Ex-Governor of Maguindanao Re-Convicted of Bribery and Misuse of Public Funds

FORMER Maguindanao Governor Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan was found guilty of embezzling and misusing public funds in connection with the irregularities in the construction and/or rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads in the province in 2009.

In a decision promulgated on October 18, 2024, the Third Division of Sandiganbayan sentenced Ampatuan to eight to twelve years in prison for violating Section 3E of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

For violating Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code or embezzling public funds, Ampatuan was sentenced to the penalty of relusion perpetua and to pay a fine equal to P393 million, amounting to the amount embezzled.

He was also ordered to pay the same amount to the national government through the Bureau of Treasury, with interest at the rate of six percent per annum from the finality of the decree until it was paid in full.

The court has also consistently disqualified Ampatuan from holding any public office.

Meanwhile, the anti-graft court has acquitted Ampatuan’s co-accused Danny Taki Calib in both cases.

The case involves P400 million in human resources allocated for the construction and/or rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads in Maguindanao, which have not been implemented.

Ampatuan has been convicted six times on various charges since October 2022. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)