Sandiganbayan Upholds Sarangani Official Conviction
MANILA — The Sandiganbayan has firmly rejected the plea to defer the execution of the conviction against former Sarangani provincial agriculture officer Romeo Miole. This decision concerns the malversation of public funds linked to the alleged misdistribution of P1.44 million worth of relief goods meant for indigenous communities and farmers but instead given to local officials.
In a detailed three-page resolution dated August 12, the anti-graft court’s Third Division dismissed Miole’s undated motion to delay judgment. The motion, which included his formal entry of appearance, was declared “lack of merit” by the court. Consequently, the warrant of arrest issued on June 16 remains in effect, sources reported.
Background of the Sarangani Official Conviction Case
The case dates back to 2015 when Miole, along with then-Governor Miguel Escobar of Sarangani, was found guilty for diverting relief goods to local officials and political allies rather than distributing them to flood victims in 2001. Community members recalled that relief items intended for farmers and indigenous groups were misappropriated during this period.
The Commission on Audit (COA) report that triggered the investigation highlighted that 1,875 sacks of rice and 240 sacks of hybrid corn seeds, which were supposed to aid farmers in replanting after a calamity, never reached the rightful recipients. Officials noted that the grain delivery contract was allegedly awarded to a company not accredited by the National Food Authority. Furthermore, the report could not verify where the corn seeds were actually planted.
Legal Proceedings and Finality of the Conviction
Miole and Escobar were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 10 to 18 years. The Sandiganbayan affirmed this ruling in 2016, and the Supreme Court later upheld it with certain modifications in 2022, local leaders explained.
In January 2024, Miole submitted his first motion for reconsideration, which the Supreme Court denied in August, stating that the ruling was “final and executory.” Despite this, in September 2024, Miole filed a motion for leave to file a second motion for reconsideration. This latest motion remains pending before the high court, community members said.
Sandiganbayan’s Stand on the Motion to Defer Execution
According to the Sandiganbayan, Miole argued that the “pendency” of his second motion should justify delaying the execution of his conviction. However, the court referenced the prosecution’s position that the Supreme Court’s decision affirming the Sandiganbayan’s judgment has already attained finality.
The court emphasized, “The decision cannot be altered or changed in view of the doctrine of immutability of judgment.” It further noted that the prosecution argued Miole’s motion for leave to file a second motion for reconsideration does not exempt him from this rule. Therefore, the court said it has no discretion to stay or defer the execution of the conviction.
“The court agrees with the prosecution. Accused Miole’s motion is DENIED for lack of merit,” the resolution concluded, officials reported.
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