Conviction of provincial administrator affirmed

The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has affirmed its decision convicting Negros Oriental provincial administrator Richard Rafal Enojo of graft and junked his motion for reconsideration.

The antigraft court earlier found Enojo guilty of graft, for using his power and position to induce elements of the Philippine National Police to summon private individuals to settle a land dispute.

Enojo was sentenced to up to eight years in jail and was perpetually disqualified from public office.

In his motion for reconsideration, Enojo argued that there were contradicting testimonies made by the prosecution witnesses, which cast reasonable doubt on his guilt.

Enojo added that the supposed victim made a “categorical declaration” that no crime was committed against him, which should be enough for his acquittal.

However, the antigraft court dismissed his arguments for lack of merit. ‍—Patricia Denise M. Chiu