Sandiganbayan affirms Romblon mayor’s conviction

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has affirmed its ruling sentencing Romblon town Mayor Mariano Mateo, former mayor Leo Merida and eight other former local officials to 10 years in prison in connection with the alleged anomalous procurement of a heavy equipment.

In a resolution dated March 26 and released yesterday, the fourth division of the anti-graft court said Mateo and his co-accused failed to raise any new argument to warrant the reversal of its decision.

“As correctly raised by the prosecution… to the motion for reconsideration, all the points raised by the accused have been exhaustively addressed,” the court ruling signed by Associate Justices Alex Quiroz, Reynaldo Cruz and Geraldine Faith Econg read.

In a resolution issued on Feb. 23, the Sandiganbayan said Mateo, Merida and former Sangguniang Bayan members Melben Mesana, Gerry Mijares, Francisco Mayor Jr., Chris Mazo, Ramon Magallon, Edler Robis, Rafael Riano and Bryant Riano were found guilty of graft.

The case against former Romblon vice mayor Nonito Mallen was dismissed due to his death. 

Filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2010, the case stemmed from the municipal government’s purchase of a  backhoe amounting to P13.95 million in November 2005 without public bidding. Merida was mayor while Mateo was councilor at the time.

Investigation showed a check payment to the supplier was issued on Dec. 28, 2005, but the backhoe was delivered only on Sept. 13, 2006.

The court said witnesses testified that the backhoe was not used for the purpose for which it was purchased.