News Briefs
CA affirms decision on Baguilat case
The Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed its decision last June to apply the Supreme Court’s former “condonation doctrine” on Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr. and reverse the Ombudsman’s dismissal order for a 2003 administrative case. The appellate court’s Special 15th Division resolved with finality to set aside the March 2017 order of the Office of the Ombudsman dismissing Baguilat from service for grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty. The Ombudsman faulted Baguilat for purchasing a secondhand vehicle for P900,000 without public bidding when he was governor in 2003. But the Court of Appeals invoked the condonation doctrine when it granted Baguilat’s petition to junk the dismissal order. The doctrine condones the administrative liability of an elected official for a past offense once reelected. —DONA Z. PAZZIBUGAN
Ex-mayor convicted of graft for typhoon aid to husband, sis
The Sandiganbayan has convicted former Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay Mayor Gemma Adana of graft for giving her husband and sister four times the cash assistance meant for typhoon victims in September 2007. In a 32-page decision, the court’s Sixth Division sentenced Adana to six to eight years in prison and barred her for life from holding public office. Ombudsman prosecutors accused her of granting P45,000 and P40,000 to her husband Edgar Adana and her sister Emma Aranas, respectively, despite the assistance being capped at P10,000. Adana blamed her coaccused, municipal social welfare and development officer Isabel Tabamo, who came up with the master list of calamity victims. The prosecution could not present Tabamo’s testimony because of her death. But, the court held Adana “ultimately responsible” for the irregularity because she signed the disbursement vouchers and checks. —VINCE F. NONATO
Sandigan defers P10-M pork scam raps vs Teves
The Sandiganbayan has suspended its criminal proceedings against former Negros Oriental Rep. Herminio Teves for the alleged misuse of his P10-million pork barrel funds, citing his “unsound mental condition.” In an eight-page resolution, the court’s Special Third Division deferred Teves’ arraignment for graft and malversation “until such time that he shall be physically and mentally fit to be arraigned.” Teves’ counsel was directed to submit a monthly report on his medical condition. The court cited the medical certificate issued by neurologist Valmarie Estrada, who said Teves had “mixed Alzheimer dementia and vascular dementia, severe stage at present.” Estrada said the disease is currently “irreversible.” —VINCE F. NONATO
