MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan yesterday sentenced former Rodriguez, Rizal mayor Pedro Cuerpo to a maximum of nine years in jail after finding him guilty of graft.
Cuerpo’s co-accused, former municipal engineer Fernando Roño and barangay chairman Salvador Simbulan, were also meted the same jail sentence for their involvement in the unlawful demolition of temporary shelters in a private property 10 years ago.
The Sandiganbayan also ordered their perpetual disqualification from holding public office as an additional or accessory penalty.
In a 30-page ruling penned by Second Division chairperson Teresita Diaz-Baldos, the anti-graft court said Cuerpo, Roño, and Simbulan caused undue injury to 93 families who were affected by the 2003 demolition of shanties which did not go through proper procedures.