MANILA - The Sandiganbayan has turned down the motion for reconsideration filed by a former Bataan town mayor and a government contractor questioning their conviction for malversation last June for irregularities made in the construction of a public market in 2007. In its resolution written by Associate Justice Bernelito Fernandez dated Sept. 13 , the anti graft court has denied the motion filed by former Mariveles, Bataan mayor Angel Peliglorio Jr. and businessman Cedric Lee. Peliglorio and Lee had been sentenced to up to 18 years imprisonment for the unauthorized release of advance mobilization funds made to the latter's firm, Izumo Contractors Inc., for the construction project. The Sandiganbayan also granted the motion for partial reconsideration filed by the prosecution for the duo to pay a reduced fine of PHP18.4 million from the original judgment of PHP23.47 million. The fine represented the funds malversed and restitution of a similar amount after the court noted that only
Sandiganbayan (File photo) MANILA - The Sandiganbayan has found a former Bataan mayor and a businessman guilty of malversation and sentenced them to up to 18 years imprisonment. The court's Third Division convicted former Mariveles, Bataan mayor Angel Peliglorio Jr. for malversation in connection with irregularities in the construction of the Mariveles Public Market in 2007. Likewise convicted was Cedric Lee, president and chief executive officer of Izumo Contractors, Inc., which received advanced mobilization funds for the project which never commenced. "(T)he totality of the facts arising from the evidence undoubtedly shows conspiracy between accused Lee and accused Peliglorio Jr.," read the 54-page decision promulgated June 3. The court sentenced both to imprisonment of 12 to 18 years and a fine of PHP23.47 million in fine "equal to the funds malversed". The amount represents 15 percent of the construction budget amounting to PHP110 million for the building,
Sandiganbayan Former Mayor Angel Viray Peliglorio Jr. of Mariveles, Bataan and Izumo Contractors, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Cedric C. Lee have been convicted by the Sandiganbayan of malversation charges involving P23.47 million for the construction of Mariveles Public Market in