MANILA -- Former Maguindanao Gov. Sajid Islam Ampatuan is facing a 40-year imprisonment after the Sandiganbayan on Friday found him guilty of graft, falsification and malversation in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of PHP35.7-million worth of construction materials in 2009.
The anti-graft court also sentenced Ampatuan’s co-accused former Maguindanao Bids and Awards Committee member Ali K. Abpi Al Haj with the same jail term for similar charges.
In a decision, the court's 4th Division found the two officials guilty of one count each of graft and malversation of public funds and 63 counts of falsification of public documents over the alleged misuse of Php35.7-million in public funds in 2009.
The court ordered to them to jointly pay a fine of PHP35,740,493.
They were also ordered to post an additional bail bond of PHP1.58 million each for their temporary liberty while they appeal the decision of the Sandiganbayan.
The Sandiganbayan gave Ampatuan and Abpi Al Haj a period of until Monday (March 25) within which to each post the bail bond.
The cases and Ampatuan and Abpi Al Haj arose from the release of PHP38-million fund for “ghost” or fictitious purchase of construction and lumber materials for supposed repair of various school buildings in Maguindanao province in 2009. (PNA)
