Sajid Ampatuan found guilty of graft, malversation of public funds

The Sandiganbayan has found former Maguindanao governor Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan guilty of graft and malversation of public funds.

In a 66-page decision promulgated on October 18, the Sandiganbayan sentenced Ampatuan an indeterminate penalty of imprisonment ranging from 8 years and 1 month up to 12 years for violating Section 3 (e) of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

As for the crime of malversation of public funds under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, Ampatuan was sentenced to reclusion perpetua and ordered to pay a fine equivalent to P393 million, representing the value of the amount malversed.

As restitution, he was also ordered to pay the same amount to the Philippine government through the Bureau of Treasury, with interest of 6% per annum from the finality of the decision until fully pail.

Ampatuan is likewise perpetually disqualified to hold any public office.

The case involved the P400 million in public funds meant for the construction and/or rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads in Maguindanao which were not implemented. —KG, GMA Integrated News