Antigraft court affirms conviction of Misuari, 5 others

ILIGAN CITY—The Sandiganbayan has affirmed its earlier conviction of former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Nur Misuari for graft owing to alleged anomalous procurement transactions in 2000 and 2001 for the region’s Department of Education (DepEd).

In a 24-page ruling promulgated on Sept. 17, the antigraft court’s Third Division set aside Misuari’s appeal that was based on the argument that the lack of public bidding for the procurement of information technology packages was not enough basis of “a finding of a criminal violation.”

Last May 24, Misuari, along with then DepEd-ARMM director Leovegilda Cinches, accountant Alladin Usi, supply officer Sittie Aisa Usman, resident auditor Nader Macagaan, and chief accountant Pangalian Macabunar Maniri were convicted for two counts of graft for separate transactions with CPR Publishing for P46.3 million, and P31 million with MBJ Learning Tools.

These transactions proceeded without public bidding, as required by law.

Appeal denied

Apart from Misuari, his coaccused also lodged an appeal.

“We have carefully evaluated the arguments of all the accused, and accordingly, find no compelling reason to reverse their respective convictions,” read the court’s ruling, which was signed by Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang and Associate Justices Bernelito Fernandez and Ronald Moreno.

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The court also affirmed its earlier finding that the accused conspired to push through with the transactions.

The accused are facing penalties of up to eight years in prison.

The court earlier found that the two suppliers were not registered with the business licensing office of Caloocan City where they claimed to be based as well as with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and had no tax records with the Bureau of Internal Revenue.