31 execs convicted of graft since January

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman secured the convictions of 31 officials charged with graft before the Sandiganbayan during the first quarter of the year.

The ombudsman filed 132 cases, according to a report of the anti-graft court’s judicial records division.

Among those convicted were Presidential Adviser on Environmental Concerns and Laguna Lake Development Authority general manager Nereus Acosta and his mother, former Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon mayor Socorro Acosta. They were found guilty of misusing their Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel.

Former Development Bank of the Philippines chairman Vitaliano Nañagas II was convicted of graft and estafa; former Davao del Sur governor Benjamin Bautista, multiple graft; and former Department of Finance executive director Uldarico Andutan, graft and estafa. 

The convictions carried the accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification from holding public office and forfeiture of retirement benefits.