Manila, Philippines – October 21, 2024
The Sandiganbayan has convicted former Maguindanao Governor Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan of graft and malversation of public funds in connection with his involvement in the misuse of government resources during his time in office. The court sentenced Ampatuan to eight to twelve years in prison for graft, alongside reclusion perpetua (a life sentence) for malversation. He is also ordered to pay a fine of ₱393 million, the amount of public funds he was found to have malversed.
In its decision for Criminal Case No. SB-20-CRM-0015, the Sandiganbayan found Ampatuan guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, also known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. This charge relates to his role in giving undue advantage to a private contractor, misappropriating public funds meant for development projects in Maguindanao.
For the graft charge, the court imposed a sentence of imprisonment ranging from a minimum of eight years and one month to a maximum of twelve years. Additionally, Ampatuan has been perpetually disqualified from holding any public office.
In Criminal Case No. SB-20-CRM-0016, Ampatuan was also found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of malversation of public funds under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code. The court sentenced him to reclusion perpetua and ordered him to pay ₱393 million, the equivalent of the amount he misappropriated. Furthermore, the court mandated restitution of the same amount, plus a 6% annual interest, to be paid to the Philippine government through the Bureau of Treasury.
Background of the Case
Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan, a member of the powerful Ampatuan political clan in Maguindanao, was implicated in several high-profile cases involving graft and corruption during his tenure as governor from 2008 to 2009. His name has been associated with the misuse of public funds meant for infrastructure and development projects in the province, which were either incomplete or not implemented at all.
Ampatuan’s conviction comes in the context of a broader crackdown on corruption in the Philippines, a longstanding issue that has plagued the country’s political system. The Ampatuan family, in particular, has a notorious history. They were also involved in the infamous Maguindanao Massacre of 2009, where 58 people, including journalists, were brutally killed. Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan was among those initially charged in the massacre but was granted bail in 2015.
This latest conviction marks another chapter in the Ampatuan family’s legal battles, as the government continues its efforts to recover misused public funds and ensure accountability for corrupt officials. The court’s ruling sends a strong message against corruption, particularly among political elites who abuse their power for personal gain.
The conviction also highlights the long and complicated process of prosecuting high-profile political figures in the Philippines, where cases of graft and malversation can take years to resolve. Ampatuan still has the option to appeal the Sandiganbayan’s decision, but for now, the ruling represents a significant victory in the fight against corruption.
The Sandiganbayan has underscored that the punishment handed down to Ampatuan reflects the gravity of his offense, noting the enormous amount of public funds lost as a result of his actions. This case is expected to serve as a landmark in the country’s efforts to combat graft and corruption, particularly in local government units.
