Leyte mayor fined for using rice, mongo in another project

MANILA, Philippines - An incumbent mayor in Leyte has been found guilty of a criminal offense for diverting rice and mungbean (mongo) intended for a supplemental feeding program to another project. 

The case against Leyte, Leyte Mayor Arnold James Ysidoro stemmed from how he diverted four sacks of rice and 16 kilos of mungbean to a food-for-work program instead in 2001.

But because the total value of the goods only amounted to P3,280 and P616, respectively, he will only be jailed if he, for some reason, would not be able to pay the imposed fine of P1,500.

In a 26-page decision, the Sandiganbayan’s Second Division found Ysidoro guilty of illegal use of public property penalized under Article 220 of the Revised Penal Code.

The anti-graft court said Ombudsman lawyers led by prosecutor Generoso Plazo were able to prove that Ysidoro utilized the rice and mungbean for the food-for-work program instead of the supplemental feeding program they were originally intended for.

Because of the measly amount involved and since the government did not suffer any injury despite the misuse, the Sandiganbayan merely fined Ysidoro and sentenced him to “subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency” or jail time if he cannot pay the fine.

Although a small case, the Office of the Ombudsman said the mayor’s case still counts because he was convicted of a criminal offense.