Graft raps vs former Butuan execs affirmed

The Sandiganbayan has sustained the graft charges against former Butuan City Mayor Leonides Theresa Plaza and seven other city officials in connection with the 2004 fertilizer fund scam.

The court’s Third Division, through Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang, issued two separate resolutions junking the separate motions filed by the eight defendants who sought the dismissal of the P5-million graft cases.

Plaza faces two counts of graft for the purchase of 3,333 bottles of liquid fertilizer from Feshan Philippines at P1,500 each despite the existence of two cheaper brands at P120 or P125 per bottle.

In a separate resolution, the court also denied three motions by the coaccused, who cited lack of probable cause, inordinate delay, absence of evidence of conspiracy and defects in the case information.

The motions were filed by agriculturist Salvador Satorre, assistant city treasurer Arthur Castro, general services officer Rodolfo Evanoso, accountant Bebiano Calo and supply officer Melita Loida Galbo, as well as city treasurer Adulfo Llagas, and budget officer Danilo Furia.