Cebu Ports Authority Cashier Acquitted of Charges
A Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) cashier, previously convicted of misappropriating funds, has been acquitted by the Sandiganbayan. This decision reverses a 2017 ruling that sentenced Romeo P. Panares to up to 10 years in prison for allegedly mishandling P15,817.70 from his collections.
The Sandiganbayan’s June 2 ruling reinstated Panares’ innocence after the Cebu City Regional Trial Court (RTC) found him guilty of malversation of public funds. The cashier had appealed the earlier verdict, citing a violation of his constitutional right to a speedy trial and claiming the prosecution failed to prove misappropriation beyond reasonable doubt.
Legal Arguments and Court Findings
While the court did not find any significant delay violating Panares’ right to a speedy trial, it agreed that the evidence did not clearly demonstrate a shortage in his accounts. Senior Accounting Processor Noemi Gulfan, responsible for monitoring Panares’ daily collections and remittances, testified that records showed no discrepancies.
The Sandiganbayan emphasized that the prosecution could not meet the burden of proof to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt. It stated, “Considering that mere suspicion of the guilt of the accused, no matter how strong, should not sway judgment against him, the Court is constrained to reverse the trial court’s ruling.”
Implications of the Acquittal
This 21-page decision, authored by Associate Justice Arthur O. Malabaguio and concurred by Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith A. Econg and Associate Justice Edgardo M. Caldona, reinstates Panares’ reputation and lifts the perpetual ban on holding public office.
The reversal underscores the importance of solid evidence in corruption cases and highlights the judiciary’s role in ensuring justice is served based on facts rather than suspicion.
For more news and updates on Cebu Ports Authority cashier, visit Filipinokami.com.