Mayor Ruffy Biazon to Continue Serving Amid PDAF Conviction
Mayor Ruffy Biazon will remain the local chief executive of Muntinlupa despite a recent Sandiganbayan ruling convicting him in connection with a Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) project dating back to 2007. This ongoing situation highlights the complexity of legal processes involving public officials.
Legal representatives clarified that the verdict has not yet become final. “Mahalagang linawin na hindi pa pinal ang desisyong ito. Ayon sa batas, mananatiling Punong Lungsod si Mayor Ruffy, at magpapatuloy ang kanyang panunungkulan ayon sa mandatong binigay sa kanya ng mga mamamayang Muntinlupeno,” explained a spokesperson close to the mayor. This means that under the law, Biazon is still officially the mayor and will keep serving based on the trust given by his constituents.
Details of the Sandiganbayan Decision on PDAF Case
The Sandiganbayan’s Special Seventh Division found Biazon and several others guilty of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The court sentenced them to imprisonment ranging from six years and one month up to eight years, along with perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
This case originates from a 2007 project that Biazon implemented when he served as Muntinlupa’s congressman. The court held that the accused acted with “manifest partiality, evident bad faith, and/or gross inexcusable negligence,” causing undue injury to the government and giving unwarranted advantages worth approximately PHP 2.7 million to private individuals.
Mayor Biazon’s Response and Legal Next Steps
Despite the ruling, Biazon emphasized his commitment to public service amid challenges. He stated, “Public service should not be derailed by noise or distraction. My commitment to Muntinlupeños stands firm—a city led with compassion, guided by vision, and focused on real solutions.”
Meanwhile, his legal team announced plans to file a motion for reconsideration with the Sandiganbayan regarding the verdict. They expressed surprise at the guilty verdict, especially since Biazon was previously acquitted of related charges involving the misuse of public funds. Prior accusations of bribery and money laundering were dismissed due to lack of evidence, and he was also acquitted in a malversation case.
“Gayunpaman, ikinagulat po natin ang hatol kay Mayor Ruffy Biazon sa akusasyong paglabag sa Republic Act 3019—lalo na’t nauna na siyang na-abswelto sa charges kaugnay sa paggamit ng pondo ng bayan. Ang charges na bribery at money laundering ay nauna nang na-dismiss ng dahil sa kawalan ng ebidensya. Ngayon naman ay acquitted din si Mayor Biazon sa charge ng Malversation. Sa ngayon, tatlo sa apat na reklamong isinampa laban sa kanya ay naibasura na—isa mula sa Ombudsman at dalawa sa Sandiganbayan,” said his spokesperson.
Understanding the Legal Context of the PDAF Case
Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 prohibits public officials from causing undue injury to any party, including the government, or granting unwarranted benefits to private individuals through evident bad faith, gross negligence, or manifest partiality. This provision is particularly relevant for officers involved in granting licenses, permits, or other government concessions.
The current case against Mayor Biazon is a reminder of the ongoing scrutiny public officials face under anti-corruption laws. However, his continued leadership depends on the finality of the legal process and the will of the Muntinlupa constituents who elected him.
For more news and updates on Priority Development Assistance Fund, visit Filipinokami.com.