Former Palawan governor Joel Reyes has been convicted by the Sandiganbayan on 11 counts of graft for the misuse of Malampaya funds and was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for each count, fined ₱5,000 per count, and perpetually barred from holding public office.
The Sandiganbayan released its 625-page decision on Tuesday, July 29, convicting Reyes and several other former officials of the provincial government.
Reyes was found guilty on 11 counts filed against him for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Article 171 (Falsification of Public Documents) of the Revised Penal Code. He was acquitted in 22 other charges due to lack of evidence.
Also found guilty was former Provincial Planning and Development Officer Samuel Madamba (11 out of 13 counts), along with other engineers formerly working at the Provincial Engineering Office.
Other personalities who were also charged but acquitted include former provincial legal officer Atty. Ma. Elena Rodriguez, former provincial accountant Orlando Colobong, former provincial information officer Rolando Bonoan Jr., former provincial budget officer Jojo Marcaida, and several other engineers who worked under the provincial engineering office.
Meanwhile, Bonoan, a close ally and confidant of Reyes, said the former governor is still in high spirits and maintains a positive outlook despite the conviction.
Bonoan said Reyes, who is now under hospital arrest for another case, was present online during the promulgation of the case.
“Sabi niya at least marami tayong acquittals… although may 11 convictions, so magpa-file na lang ng motion for reconsideration (MR),” Bonoan said in a telephone interview with Palawan News.
“Ok naman siya, but he has to stay in the hospital kasi mahina talaga siya. Although nakakausap siya ng maayos, nakakatayo naman siya at dahan-dahan lang ang lakad,” he added, noting that Reyes said it would be hard for him to be physically present even if he is out of the hospital.
On a personal note, Bonoan also said he is happy that all the cases against him were dismissed, but he could not bear to celebrate, considering that others were convicted.
“Hindi rin tayo ganap na talagang masaya dahil marami rin sa ating kasamahan sa provincial government na biktima ng kasong ito at nagkaroon ng conviction,” he said.
“Although hindi pa naman katapusan ng lahat because they still have legal remedies. In fact yung mga lawyers nila ay pini-prepare na yung kanilang mga MR doon sa decision na lumabas,” he added.
He also said some of the personalities involved in the case have already passed away, including former provincial administrator Atty. Roger Serratubias, former general services office head Ferdinand Dilig, and former provincial engineer Charlie Factor.
Another accused, former provincial treasurer Teofilo Palanca, is reportedly out of the country. He said Palanca was not included in the promulgation, as he is at large.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been updated to correct that former Palawan governor Joel Reyes was sentenced to up to 10 years, not 8 years as previously reported.
