Former Sorsogon governor convicted of graft
MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan convicted former Sorsogon Gov. Raul Lee of two counts of graft over the irregular purchase of computers, software and other equipment in 2005.
The antigraft court’s Sixth Division, in a decision handed down on Monday, sentenced Lee to 12 years’ imprisonment. He was also barred from holding public office.
The court said it was convinced that the circumstances of the case showed that Lee was guilty of manifest partiality or gross inexcusable negligence when he entered into a joint venture agreement and memorandum of agreement with the contractor despite the lack of recommendation from the Bids and Awards Committee, the decision written by Associate Justice Kevin Narce Vivero read.
Associate Justices Bernelito Fernandez and Sarah Jane Fernandez concurred.
