Tawi-Tawi Rep. Ruby Sahali Tan (Photo from the official website of the House of Representatives at www.congress.gov.ph)
The Sandiganbayan has fined Tawi-Tawi Rep. Ruby Sahali-Tan P30,000 after she pleaded guilty to charges of failing to follow rules on the disclosure of assets, liabilities and net worth when she was vice governor of her province from 2008 to 2013.
The antigraft court’s Sixth Division meted out the fine after the congresswoman changed her plea from “not guilty” to “guilty” during a rearraignment of the charges of violation of Section 8 of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
In 2008, Tan failed to file her 2007 statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) under oath, according to the charge sheets.
She also failed to file her SALNs for the years 2008 to 2011 under oath and on time. In 2013, she again failed to file her 2012 SALN within the period provided by law.
During the rearraignment, the court said, “the accused and her counsel informed the court that the accused fully understands the nature and consequences of her entering a plea of guilty to the crime charged in the Informations.”
Tan is the chair of the House special committee on peace, reconciliation and unity.