Ex-mayor gets 18 years over P4.3-M cash advances

VILLAVERDE, Nueva Vizcaya - The Sandiganbayan has sentenced a former of this town to a maximum of 18 years in prison for malversation of public funds.

Former Villaverde mayor Rodrigo Tabita Sr. failed to account for P4.3 million in cash advances from 1993 to 2001, the Office of the Ombudsman announced Monday.

Prosecutors presented 87 vouchers to prove that Tabita received the amount, which the municipal government used for travel expenses, school supplies and other projects.

In his defense, Tabita said he signed blank forms to make the cash advances because it was the “usual practice” when he was mayor.

The Sandiganbayan said Tabita’s explanation was “inadequate and self-serving for lack of corroboration, either documentary or testimonial.”

Tabita was meted the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding public office and ordered to pay a fine of P4,372,595.73.