Sandigan OKs Sajid Ampatuan’s voluntary suspension

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has approved the voluntary suspension of Mayor Sajid Islam Ampatuan of Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao in connection with the charges he is facing over the questionable purchase of agricultural products when he was governor.

Ampatuan filed a motion for voluntary suspension on Nov. 4.

In a resolution promulgated on Jan. 24, the anti-graft court’s third division said Ampatuan’s suspension is in order, noting that the validity of the charges filed against him has been established.

The third division cited Section 13 of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act which states that an incumbent public official charged with a valid case under RA 3019, the Revised Penal Code or any offense involving public funds or property or fraud against the government shall be suspended from office.

Ampatuan was charged with graft and malversation of public funds over the Maguindanao provincial government’s disbursement of P98.2 million to Tamoni Enterprises in 2009 for the supposed procurement of palay and corn seeds as well as fertilizer.

The Office of the Ombudsman said Ampatuan and his co-accused falsified disbursement vouchers, journal entry vouchers, purchase requests and other documents to make it appear that the agricultural items were delivered and Tamoni had been paid.

Last October, the Sandiganbayan’s Sixth Division ordered Ampatuan’s suspension for 90 days in connection with 145 criminal cases he is facing over the provincial government’s alleged anomalous infrastructure projects, also during his term as governor.

Ampatuan was acquitted in connection with the Maguindanao massacre. His brothers Andal Jr. and Anwar Sajid were found guilty of 57 counts of murder.