Published April 29, 2021, 2:47 PM
Sandiganbayan
Eleven former officials of Cantilan town in Surigao del Sur have pleaded guilty to a lesser offense than graft and have been ordered to pay a fine of P3,000 each and to restitute the government in the amount of P220,000.
Had they been convicted of graft, they would have been sentenced to a prison term ranging from six to 10 years with perpetual disqualification to hold public office.
In a resolution, the Sandiganbayan allowed the plea bargaining of former councilor Reynaldo A. Orpina, barangay captain Marlyn R. Plaza, municipal treasurer Anita L. Paradiang, clerk II Luis Arreza Daano, meat inspector II Eutemio Plaza Urbiztondo, municipal accountant Ronaldo M. Gruyal and former bids and awards committee (BAC) members Augusto M. Duero, Marilou C. Cosmiano, Ruben A. Liwagon, D. Urbiztondo Pasco, George R. Arreza