Former LTFRB exec found guilty of graft, gets 6-10 yr sentence

Former LTFRB executive director Samuel Jardin has been found guilty of graft for accepting P4.6 million in exchange for a permit, leading to a 6 to 10-year prison sentence and perpetual disqualification from public office.

The Sandiganbayan's ruling was based on CCTV footage and testimony from Michelle Sapangila, who represented SM Tungko MOA Operators and Drivers, Inc., while Jardin denied the allegations.

Sapangila testified that she handed P100,000 in a red envelope to an intermediary named Madam Lolit, who then gave it to Jardin; later, Sapangila witnessed another exchange of P4.5 million.

Surveillance footage showed a three-minute conversation between Sapangila, Jardin, and Madam Lolit, though crucial parts were missing, the court still found evidence sufficient for conviction.

Jardin was previously suspended and dismissed from his position by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2020 due to grave misconduct.