Case Summary (G.R. No. 71712)
Charges and Conviction Details
The petitioners were charged under Section 3(b) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019, as amended). They were found guilty of soliciting a bribe of P20,000.00 from Celso R. Halili, President of Halrey Construction, Inc., as a condition to favorably expedite the post-inspection report of the Bocaue-San Jose Road project. The Sandiganbayan sentenced them to three to six years of imprisonment, perpetual disqualification from public office, and required them to pay costs.
Evidence Summarization
The prosecution's case relied on testimonies from Danilo Francisco, the foreman of Halrey Construction, and Emiliana Gerona, the secretary, alongside documentation indicating prior similar transactions. Danilo Francisco recounted an instance when Malig solicited P20,000.00 after an inspection on March 15, 1983, and a follow-up request on March 21, 1983. Emiliana Gerona testified regarding the petitioners' previous demands for representation expenses during other inspections.
Petitioners' Testimonies and Defense
The petitioners, Malig and Lacson, denied soliciting any amount and asserted that their inspections were legitimate reviews of the contractor’s work. They claimed that any conversations with the witnesses did not involve bribery and highlighted discrepancies in the testimonies against them. They argued that their reports were based on an authorized inspection and that they were unaware of any revisions made to the project scope prior to their inspection.
Legal Arguments and Appeal
In their appeal, the petitioners contended that the Sandiganbayan erred by concluding that they had acted in bad faith, and that the hearsay evidence presented was insufficient to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. They took issue with the credibility of the prosecution's witnesses and maintained that their actions were consistent with the duties of their positions as auditors.
Sandiganbayan's Findings
Despite the petitioners' defense, the Sandiganbayan affirmed their conviction, stating that the evidence presented indicated a clear intent to solicit a bribe. Their inspection was deemed a pretext to cover their demand for money. The Sandiganbayan underscored the professional relationship the petitioners had established with Halrey Construction and previous incidents where similar requests were made.
Conclusion of the Court
The appellate court upheld the lower court's decision, asserting that the combination of testimonial and documentary evidence pointed towards the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt. The petitioners' alleged prior actions and the nature
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 71712)
Case Background
- The case involves an appeal from the Decision of the Sandiganbayan dated June 26, 1985.
- Petitioners, Honorato Malig and Antonio Lacson, were convicted of violating Section 3(b) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019, as amended).
- They were sentenced to an indeterminate penalty of imprisonment ranging from three (3) years as minimum to six (6) years as maximum, perpetual disqualification from public office, and required to pay costs.
Charges Against the Petitioners
- The Amended Information accused Malig and Lacson of unlawfully requesting P20,000 from Celso R. Halili, President of Halrey Construction, Inc., in connection with the Bocaue-San Jose Road project in Bulacan.
- They were acting in their official capacity as Senior Technical Property Inspectors of the Commission on Audit, tasked with conducting inspections of government infrastructure projects.
Prosecution's Evidence
- Witnesses testified about the interactions between the petitioners and Halrey Construction.
- Danilo Francisco y Radam, a foreman for Halrey Construction, recounted that Malig and Lacson requested the money for favorable reporting on the project.
- Emiliana Gerona, the secretary of Halrey Construction, confirmed seeing the petitioners on the dates in question and corroborated the foreman's testimony regarding their request for money.
- Celso Halili, the contractor, described his experiences with the petitioners, including p