Ex-Cotabato lawmaker found guilty of graft

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has found former South Cotabato Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr. and two others guilty of graft for their alleged involvement in an irregular cash advance scheme in 2006.

Acharon, then mayor of General Santos City, was found guilty along with his coaccused, Marcelino Dospueblos, city finance administrator, and Chriselda Macion, president of the General Santos City Tourism Association Inc., a nongovernment organization.

The three were sentenced to up to nine years imprisonment and were perpetually disqualified from public office.

The case stemmed from the P2.5-million cash advances the three processed for the expenses of 37 participants to the “Pagana Dinner Show and Tambayayong Festival” in Los Angeles, California, from June 9 to 16, 2006. However, only 17 individuals participated.

—Patricia Denise M. Chiu