MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Rufino Palabrica III of Dingle, Iloilo has appealed before the Supreme Court (SC) his conviction for graft over the anomalous grant of lease and business permits to a drug store and clinic, which he owned.
In a minute resolution dated Dec. 10, the Sandiganbayan’s Sixth Division said Palabrica’s move to appeal his conviction before the SC instead of the anti-graft court was approved after he filed his notice of appeal and paid docket and other legal fees.
Palabrica was found guilty of two counts of violating Section 3 (h) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act last July 19.
He was sentenced to a minimum of six years to a maximum of eight years in prison for each count. The court also ordered his perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
In convicting Palabrica, the Sandiganbayan cited his admission that he ”wholly owned and operated” Farmacia Francisca.
“Signing on behalf of the lessor (municipality) and the lessee (Farmacia Francisca) in the contracts of lease of the market stall leaves the indubitable imprint of self-dealing. This is askew and foments conflict of interest,” the court ruling read.
The court cited the testimony of municipal officials that the owner of Farmacia Francisca did not submit the documentary requirements for a business permit, such as zoning clearance and certificate of occupancy.
The sixth division said Palabrica also shortchanged his constituents when he spent nine hours “on a regular basis” in his clinic and pharmacy.
“Attending habitually to patients and customers alike has taken its toll on public service reasonably expected from him,” the court said.