Sandiganbayan upholds graft conviction of ex-Maguindanao governor Ampatuan

The Sandiganbayan has upheld the conviction of former Maguindanao governor Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan for graft and malversation of P393 million in public funds related to farm-to-market road projects in 2009.

Ampatuan, currently the vice mayor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha town, was sentenced to eight to twelve years in prison and fined P393 million on October 18, 2024.

He filed a motion for reconsideration on November 4, 2024, challenging the court's reliance on contractor testimonies and arguing that Certificates of Completion issued by the Department of Agrarian Reform should have been considered.

However, the Sandiganbayan rejected Ampatuan's arguments, citing the Commission on Audit's Special Audit Report which found the roads in poor condition.

The court emphasized that the ocular inspections revealing the substandard state of the farm-to-market roads overshadowed any supposed certifications issued by the DAR.

Ampatuan was accused of orchestrating fictitious payments to contractors and suppliers, causing undue injury to the government.

Associate Justice Bernelito R. Fernandez wrote a 10-page resolution upholding Ampatuan's conviction with concurrence from Justices Karl B. Miranda and Ronald B. Moreno.