Sandiganbayan Acquits Former Barangay Chairman in Malversation Cases
The Sandiganbayan recently acquitted a former barangay chairman in Palawan in two malversation of public property cases. Joel B. Bito-onon, who served as the chairman of Tacras in Narra, was cleared in a decision issued on June 16. This ruling reversed the previous conviction by the regional trial court (RTC), which sentenced him to two to six years in prison for each malversation count.
Despite the RTC convicting Bito-onon, the Sandiganbayan found that the prosecution failed to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The court emphasized that the evidence presented did not sufficiently establish his involvement in the alleged crime.
Background of the Case
Bito-onon faced charges related to the loss of parts from two public vehicles—a multicab valued at P150,000 and a Kia Besta ambulance worth P500,000—between 2007 and 2010. While the RTC had convicted him for malversation, it acquitted him of graft charges.
Upon his conviction, Bito-onon appealed to the Sandiganbayan, arguing that critical elements of malversation were missing from the charges against him. He maintained that he did not appropriate, take, or misappropriate the vehicle parts nor consent to their loss.
Sandiganbayan’s Ruling and Reasoning
The Sandiganbayan agreed with Bito-onon’s appeal, stating there was no solid proof that he had any direct involvement or negligence that allowed the loss of the vehicle parts. The court also highlighted that the issue of the missing parts was not conclusively established.
Furthermore, the court questioned the reliability and integrity of the inspection reports used as evidence. It noted serious doubts about the regularity, accuracy, and correctness of these inspections, leading to the conclusion that the reports could not be given weight in proving the case.
The 34-page decision was penned by Associate Justice Maryann E. Corpus-Manalac, with concurrence from Associate Justice Zaldy V. Trespeses and Associate Justice Gener M. Gito.
Implications and Next Steps
This acquittal underscores the necessity for strong, credible evidence when pursuing public officials in malversation cases. It also highlights the importance of thorough and reliable documentation in government property inspections.
Local leaders have noted that this decision may prompt improvements in how public assets are monitored and safeguarded to prevent similar issues in the future.
For more news and updates on public property cases, visit Filipinokami.com.