Manila, Philippines – The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the conviction of Nur Misuari, the founding chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), in connection with the anomalous procurement of PHP 77.26 million worth of information technology equipment during his tenure as governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 2001.
Misuari and his co-accused were found guilty of two counts of graft related to the ghost purchases of learning tools from nonexistent companies. The court sentenced Misuari to six to eight years in prison for each count and permanently barred him from holding any public office.
Case Background
The case stems from Misuari’s authorization of two procurement contracts during his term as ARMM governor. In 2000, he approved a PHP 31 million IT package from MBJ Learning, followed by another PHP 46 million package from CPR Publishing in 2001. Investigations revealed that both companies were nonexistent, with no records found in the city government of Caloocan, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), or the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Misuari and his co-accused, including former Department of Education (DepEd)-ARMM director Leovigilda P. Cinches, accountant Alladin D. Usi, supply officer Sittie Aisa P. Usman, Commission on Audit-ARMM resident auditor Nader M. Macagaan, chief accountant Pangalian M. Maniri, and private individual Cristeta D. Ramirez of CPR Publishing, were accused of conspiring to give “unwarranted benefits, advantage, and privilege” to three private companies.
Legal Proceedings and Appeals
Misuari and his co-accused filed motions for reconsideration of the court’s earlier decision, arguing that the court’s finding on the alleged “ghost” deliveries had not been established. Misuari claimed he could not be held liable for a transaction that occurred when he was no longer ARMM governor and that the non-delivery of items was based on “conjectures, speculations, and surmises.”
However, the Sandiganbayan denied their motions, stating, “Contrary to the position taken by the herein accused, we reiterate that the prosecution was able to establish all these elements with moral certainty.” The court maintained that the scheme designed and executed by the accused gave unwarranted benefits to Cristeta D. Ramirez and caused undue injury to the government.
While the court acquitted them of two malversation cases through falsification of public documents charges due to insufficient evidence, the graft convictions were upheld. Presiding Justice Amparo M. Cabotaje-Tang and Associate Justices Bernelito R. Fernandez and Ronald B. Moreno signed the 24-page resolution.
Implications and Reactions
The conviction of Misuari, a prominent figure in the peace process with the MNLF, underscores the government’s commitment to addressing corruption. Misuari’s legal team has indicated plans to appeal the decision, maintaining his innocence.
This ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in public office, particularly in regions with complex political and social dynamics.
