Ex-Cagayan town mayors convicted of graft, malversation

MANILA, Philippines — Former mayors Nicanor de Leon and his wife Pacita of Amulung, Cagayan may spend more than 20 years in prison in connection with the anomalous disbursement of municipal funds worth P18.7 million from 2002 to 2009.

In a 134-page decision promulgated on Nov. 3, the Sandiganbayan’s Sixth Division found the couple guilty of violating Section 3 (e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and malversation of public funds.

Nicanor was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for graft and up to 18 years for malversation.

Pacita was sentenced to six to 10 years in prison for graft and six to 13 years for malversation.

Former municipal treasurer Luzviminda Macasio was found guilty of two counts of graft and malversation and sentenced to up to 31 years in prison.

The court also ordered the perpetual disqualification from holding public office and forfeiture of the retirement and gratuity benefits of the three former officials.

Nicanor and Macasio were ordered to each pay a fine of P16.34 million.

Pacita and Macasio were ordered to pay a fine of P2.332 million each, which is equivalent to the amount of illegally disbursed municipal funds.

The court said the fines were on top of the P16.34 million in civil liability that Nicanor and Macasio should pay to the Bureau of Treasury.

Pacita and Macasio were likewise ordered to pay P2.332 million in civil liability.