Ex-DAR adjudicator avoids jail time

MANILA, Philippines - A former official of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) who was found guilty of direct bribery has avoided serving his jail sentence.

In a four-page resolution released yesterday, the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division granted the application for probation of Napoleon Baguilat, DAR adjudicator in the Cordillera Administrative Region and uncle of Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr.

The anti-graft court said Baguilat should just report to the chief probation and parole officer at the Quezon City Hall of Justice twice a month for three years. He was also required to render community service, including tree planting activities.

The case against Baguilat stemmed from accusations that he demanded and received P100,000 from the lawyer of Sta. Lucia Realty and Development Inc. in May 2001 in exchange for a favorable ruling on a land dispute. He was sentenced to a maximum of three years in prison.

The anti-graft court said it granted Baguilat’s application for probation upon the recommendation of probation and parole officer Romeo Cachin.

However, the court said Baguilat could not transfer his place of residence or travel for more than 30 days without approval of the probation and parole office.