Prosecutors ask court to suspend South Cotabato solon for graft
State prosecutors asked the Sandiganbayan to suspend South Cotabato Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr. as he faces a graft charge for failing to liquidate some P2.5 million in public funds used for a dinner festival in Los Angeles, California.
In a motion, Ombudsman prosecutors said Acharon should be suspended pending his graft litigation for allegedly failing to liquidate some P2.5 million spent for the Tambayoyong Festival in Los Angeles, California from June 9 to 16, 2006 when he was General Santos City mayor.
The budget was intended for a dinner for 37 participants, but only 17 showed up. Acharon allegedly failed to liquidate the P2.5 million fund, causing undue injury to government.
The prosecutors said Acharon pleaded not guilty to the charges on March 18, 2014, and thus the suspension against him should be mandatory under the law. Acharon is also incumbent South Cotabato First District Representative.
Under Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, a public official may be suspended pending graft trial.
“It is most respectfully prayed of this Honorable Court that an Order be issued suspending accused Pedro Acharon Jr. from his office and any other public office which he may occupy pending trial,” prosecutors said.
