Sandigan affirms conviction of Antique Mayor, Vice Mayor

MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Johnny Bacongallo and Vice Mayor Thomas Bacaoco of Patnongon, Antique may spend up to eight years in prison after the Sandiganbayan affirmed their conviction in connection with the illegal transfer of ownership of a rice mill to a cooperative.

In a 19-page resolution promulgated on Oct. 4, the anti-graft court’s third division denied the motions of Bacongallo and Bacaoco seeking the reversal of its April 14 decision finding them guilty of violating Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The court also junked the motions for reconsideration of the co-accused of the two.

They are former mayor Henry Mondejar, Councilors Al Brian Crespo and Felix Gregorio Barrientos, former councilors Rene Philip Cayetano, Teopisto Estaris Jr. and Erika Orcasitas as well as private respondent Efren Esclavilla, chairman of Greater Antique Development Cooperative (Grand Coop).

The third division said it found ”no cogent reason” to revise or reverse its decision.

The primary accused, former Antique representative Exequiel Javier and Councilor Gemma Cepeda, were acquitted for failure of the prosecution to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

The rice mill, which was funded by Javier’s Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel, was originally intended for the municipality of Patnongon.

In filing the case, the Office of the Ombudsman said the municipal officials conspired to transfer the ownership of the rice mill without any financial consideration and despite lack of any study to justify the selection of Grand Coop as the beneficiary.

Mondejar was the mayor, Bacongallo was vice mayor and Bacaoco was councilor when the crime was committed.