The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of former Quezon City District III Councilor Dante De Guzman for graft involving more than ₱6 million worth of ghost projects.
In a 15-page decision, the Court’s First Division affirmed the Sandiganbayan ruling that found De Guzman guilty of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Between 2008 and 2009, De Guzman facilitated the purchase of tents, rain gear, food supplies, and sports equipment for distribution to barangays in his district. After suppliers were paid, however, investigators from the Office of the Ombudsman found that while the goods had been delivered to De Guzman’s office, they were never distributed to the intended beneficiaries.
Records showed falsified signatures of supposed area coordinators to make it appear that the items had been received.
The Supreme Court ruled that De Guzman’s gross negligence resulted in undue injury to the Quezon City government, stressing that he was duty-bound to ensure proper delivery and distribution of the goods.
The Court also rejected his claim that his signatures on procurement documents were forged, noting that he failed to rebut the presumption of authenticity of official records.
De Guzman was sentenced to eight years in prison for each of four counts of graft and was ordered to pay the Quezon City Government ₱6,411,261.01 plus six percent annual interest.