Case Summary (G.R. No. 225154-57)
Facts of the Case
Nereus served as a member of the House of Representatives from 1998 to 2007, utilizing his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to allocate funds to non-profit organizations, specifically the Bukidnon Integrated Network of Home Industries, Inc. (BINHI) and the Bukidnon Vegetable Producers Cooperative (BVPC). The transactions linked to his PDAF included funding for a solar tunnel dryer and financial assistance to BINHI and BVPC, involving significant amounts disbursed by local government units.
Criminal Charges
Four criminal cases arose from the aforementioned transactions. Nereus faced three charges under Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019, and Socorro faced a charge under Section 3(h) of the same law. These charges claimed, among other things, that the petitioners disproportionately benefited these organizations at the public’s expense.
Procedures and Trial
The petitioners were arraigned and pleaded not guilty to all charges. The prosecution presented seven witnesses and introduced several pieces of evidence, while the defense also brought forth numerous witnesses. The Sandiganbayan ultimately resolved the case with a mix of acquittals and convictions.
Sandiganbayan Decision
On March 28, 2016, the Sandiganbayan convicted Socorro of violating Section 3(h) of R.A. No. 3019, sentencing her to imprisonment and perpetual disqualification from public office. It found Nereus guilty of violating Section 3(e) alongside Socorro in a separate case. Key to this decision was the Sandiganbayan's conclusion that the petitioners had acted with manifest partiality, evident bad faith, and gross negligence, causing undue harm to government interests.
Disputed Elements in Court
The petitioners challenged the Sandiganbayan's findings, arguing the exclusion of certain evidence and asserting that no regulatory requirements—including those related to agreements with local councils—were breached, as the funds in question were national government funds.
Supreme Court's Ruling
The Supreme Court found merit in the petition, emphasizing that the prosecution failed to prove the criminal intent neces
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 225154-57)
Case Background
- The case involves a Petition for Review on Certiorari filed by petitioners J.R. Nereus O. Acosta (referred to as Nereus) and Socorro O. Acosta (referred to as Socorro) against the Decision dated March 28, 2016, and the Resolution dated June 14, 2016, issued by the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division.
- The Sandiganbayan convicted Socorro for a violation of Section 3(h) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and both Nereus and Socorro for a violation of Section 3(e) of the same Act.
Parties Involved
Petitioners:
- J.R. Nereus O. Acosta: Former member of the House of Representatives representing the First District of Bukidnon (1998-2007).
- Socorro O. Acosta: Former Municipal Mayor of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.
Respondent:
- People of the Philippines.
Relevant Facts
- Nereus appropriated his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to various non-stock, non-profit organizations, notably the Bukidnon Integrated Network of Home Industries, Inc. (BINHI) and the Bukidnon Vegetable Producers Cooperative (BVPC).
- BINHI was incorporated by Nereus's father, Juan C. Acosta, and aunt, Ma. Nemia O. Bornidor.
- BVPC involved similar family connections, with Juan, Socorro, and Nemia as cooperators.
- Significant transactions included:
- Installation of a solar tunnel dryer for BINHI.
- Release of P2,500,000.00 to BINHI.
- Release of P5,500,000.00 to BVPC.
Criminal Charges
- Criminal Case No. S