Sandiganbayan convicts N. Vizcaya ex-mayor for not returning ‘road vibrators’

The Sandiganbayan on Thursday has convicted a former Nueva Vizcaya mayor for malversation in connection with the town’s road-roller vibratory compactor.

Dupax Del Norte former mayor Isaias Almuete was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment ranging from a minimum of 12 years to a maximum of 18 years for not turning over the equipment worth more than P500,000.

According to witnesses and documents presented by prosecutors during trial, Almuete failed to turn over the equipment despite demand from the local government after he lost his reelection bid in May 2004.

The National Bureau of Investigation-Bayombong District Office found the heavy equipment parked inside the Almuete compound.

Almuete defended himself saying he was not the “property custodian.”

Sandiganbayan junked his defense, saying “it is the head of the department or office of a municipality who is primarily accountable for any government property issued”.

The anti-graft court added Almuete “had control in the use and disposition” of the equipment.

Vibratory compactor is called “pison” in the vernacular. Marc Jayson Cayabyab/TVJ