Makukulong hanggang 20 taon si dating Sangani Province Governor Miguel Escobar at kasamahang si Management analyst Alexis dela Cruz dahil sa kasong graft at falsification na nag-ugat sa ghost cash assistance para sa mga mangingisda sa lalawigan noong 2002.
Probinsya
Catanduanes, niyanig ng magnitude 6.1 na lindol
Bukod sa pagkakakulong, pinamumulta rin sila ng ₱5,000 at ₱450,000 (civil liability).
Paliwanag ng Sandiganbayan, napatunayang inaprubahan ni Escobar ang fictitious request para sa financial assistance ng mga mangingisdang miyembro ng Malapatan Fishermen’s Group of Poblacion sa Malapatan, Sarangani.
Gayunman, walang natanggap na financial assistance ang mga mangingisda .
“Accused’s Escobar’s silence or inaction despite the knowledge of the anomalous transaction by other officials of the province was tantamount to his approval. Moreover, his conduct of approving the disbursement voucher despite the lack of supporting documents which resulted in the encashment of ₱450,000 by the person who posed as accused Banzon speaks most eloquently of his participation in the conspiracy,” ayon sa anti-graft court.
Kaugnay nito, ipinaaaresto ng korte ang tatlo pang akusado na sina Amelia Zoleta, Suzette Clerigo at private individual Velsie Banzon.
PNA
