MANILA – Former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governor Nur Misuari was convicted by a Sandiganbayan division for two counts of graft over the ghost purchases of P77 million worth of learning tools from 2000 to 2001.
In a decision released by the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Friday, Misuari was sentenced to six to eight years of jail time for each count of graft on top of perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
Misuari, a former leader of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), attended the promulgation via video conferencing as he was unfit to travel to Manila.
Aside from Misuari, the same punishment was also handed down to his six co-accused namely Leovigilda Cinches, Pangalian Maniri, Sittie Aisa Usman, Alladin Usi, Nader Macagaan and Cristeta Ramirez.
Misuari and his fellow respondents, however, were cleared of malversation of public funds charge.
Misuari previously said he had nothing to do with the P77-million worth of purchases of learning tools because these were consummated during the time of his successor, Parouk Hussin, or from 2003 to 2004.
He sought the dismissal of his case in September 2018, citing no evidence that can link him to the irregular transactions, while also raising the issue of inordinate delay.
The Sandiganbayan, however, denied Misuari’s plea and urged him to present his defense in a trial, but the latter made a motion for reconsideration still claiming that the transaction did not happen during his term.
Meanwhile, Atty. Ma. Victoria Lim-Florido, who serve as Misuari’s counsel, said they would appeal the graft conviction against the former ARMM governor./PN
