Sandigan affirms Pasay judge’s bribery rap

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has rejected a Pasay judge’s appeal to junk his direct bribery case.

Albert Cansino, presiding judge of the Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 108, and acting clerk of court Mariejoy Lagman are accused of demanding P6 million in exchange for a favorable decision for defendants in a civil case in May 2024.

The anti-graft court’s Sixth Division denied for lack of merit Cansino’s motion for reconsideration.

Cansino was suspended by the Supreme Court after the case was filed by the ombudsman.

Lagman had claimed she received a P6-million bribe on Cansino’s instruction.

Cansino surrendered to the Sandiganbayan and did not enter any plea in September.