Ex-Benguet mayor, treasurer get 18 years for malversation

BAKUN, Benguet -- – For issuing a P5-million check without any supporting document, a former mayor and municipal treasurer of this town have been sentenced to 18 years in prison for malversation of public funds.

In a ruling issued Wednesday, the Sandiganbayan said former Bakun mayor Bartolome Sacla Sr. and former municipal treasurer Manuel Bagayao were also perpetually disqualified from holding public office and must pay a fine of P5 million each.

“At the time of the issuance of the check, two prevalent factors made the transaction highly irregular: the check was issued without any supporting document, such as the disbursement voucher, and no accountant’s advice was issued, which was a COA (Commission on Audit) requirement,” the ruling stated. 

“Considering the number of years and experience devoted by Sacla to public service from the time he served as barangay captain to the time he was elected councilor, until he became mayor, he would have been more than aware of the fiscal requirements in the release of public funds,” the ruling stated. 

Sacla claimed the check was issued as payment for medical supplies.

The Office of the Ombudsman said malversation is committed by misappropriating public funds or property, through abandonment or negligence, or by permitting any other person to take such funds.