Legal Proceedings Ongoing in Muntinlupa Mayor’s Case
The majority floor leader of the Muntinlupa City Council has clarified that the graft conviction of Mayor Ruffy Biazon is not yet final. Councilor and lawyer Raul Corro, a former head of the city’s Legal Office, stressed that legal processes are still underway.
“Hindi pa po final ang hatol sa kaso at maghahain pa ng Motion for Reconsideration sa Sandiganbayan at kung ito ay hindi mapagbigyan, sigurado aakyat pa ito sa Supreme Court na s’yang magbibigay ng final decision sa kaso. Samantala, tuloy ang pagiging pinuno ng lungsod at mananatiling Mayor si G. Ruffy Biazon habang dinidinig ang kaso,” Corro explained. (The verdict in the case is not yet final and a Motion for Reconsideration will be filed with the Sandiganbayan. If denied, it will be elevated to the Supreme Court, which will give the final decision. Meanwhile, Mr. Ruffy Biazon will continue as the city’s leader and remain Mayor while the case is being heard.)
Details of the Graft Conviction and Legal Context
The Sandiganbayan’s Special Seventh Division ruled that Mayor Biazon and several others were guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The court sentenced them to imprisonment ranging from six years and one month to eight years, along with perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
This case traces back to a 2007 project initiated during Biazon’s term as Muntinlupa congressman. Local leaders noted that legal actions against public officials are a normal part of public service.
“Batid natin na bilang public officials, kasama ang mga kaso na pwedeng ihain ng sinuman laban sa mga government officials sa pagtupad ng kanilang tungkulin. Bahagi ito ng ating sistema. Bahagi ito ng buhay ng pagiging public servant,” Corro said. (We know that as public officials, cases can be filed by anyone against government officials while performing their duties. This is part of our system and public servant life.)
Calls for Patience and Caution Against Premature Judgments
Corro urged the public to avoid rushing to conclusions before the final verdict is issued. “Subalit, hanggat hindi pa nahahatulan ng pinal ang kaso, huwag natin pangunahan ang judge. Huwag muna tayo maging judgmental. Huwag tayo gumawa ng sariling conclusion na parang tayo na ang judge sa kaso, lalo na pagdating sa mga usaping legal,” he added. (However, until the case is finally decided, let’s not preempt the judge. Let’s avoid being judgmental or making our own conclusions as if we are the judge, especially on legal matters.)
He referenced previous cases where officials initially found guilty by the Sandiganbayan were later acquitted by the Supreme Court, including former Muntinlupa Mayor Ignacio Bunye and others involved in the Alabang Public Market issue.
Corro also highlighted the impact of social media on public opinion. “Lahat naman tayo ay may kanya-kanyang opinion at ang opinion kahit na batay sa maling impormasyon ay opinion pa rin kahit mali. Sa panahon ngayon ng social media na napakadaling magbigay ng opinion sa anumang bagay na nababasa o nakikita natin, marahil ang tamang attitude ay pag-aralan muna ang isyu at alamin ang mga facts o i-verify mabuti ang impormasyon na nasasagap,” he said. (We all have opinions, even if based on misinformation. In today’s social media era, it is easy to share opinions on anything we read or see. The right approach is to study the issue first and verify the facts carefully.)
Finally, Corro warned about the prevalence of fake news and incomplete reports. “Mahirap gumawa ng mabilis na opinion o komento batay lamang sa news report na hindi naman naipapaliwanag ang kabuuan ng kaso,” he concluded. (It is difficult to form quick opinions based only on news reports that do not fully explain the case.)
For more news and updates on Muntinlupa mayor’s graft conviction, visit Filipinokami.com.