Sandigan to proceed with trial of ex-North Cotabato vice governor

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the validity of the charges filed against dismissed North Cotabato vice governor Gregorio Ipong over the alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel amounting to P9.4 million when he was congressman.

In a 25-page resolution promulgated on March 12, the anti-graft court’s third division upheld its Nov. 17, 2017 ruling denying Ipong’s motion to dismiss the charges filed against him, saying he failed to raise any new or valid arguments.

Ipong is facing malversation of public funds, malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents and two counts of violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The ombudsman said Ipong endorsed non-government organization Economic and Social Cooperation for Local Development Foundation Inc. (Ecosoc) to implement his livelihood and medical assistance projects under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service or KALAHI-CIDSS.

Graft probers said the contract was awarded to Ecosoc without public bidding and despite the foundation’s lack of accreditation and qualifications. Investigation showed that none of the projects was implemented.

The Sandiganbayan did not give weight to Ipong’s defense that he acted in good faith in endorsing Ecosoc as partner in the implementation of his PDAF-funded projects.

The court also found no merit in Ipong’s argument that the cases must be dismissed due to the inordinate delay in the investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman.

“While there may have been delay in the disposition of the cases…the court does not find such delay as vexatious, arbitrary, capricious or oppressive,” the Sandiganbayan said.

Ipong was dismissed in November 2016 after he was found guilty of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service in connection with charges he is facing.