Sandigan fines ex-Sulu gov Tan for SALN violations

The Sandiganbayan has ordered former Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan to pay a fine of P25,000 for his failure to file his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) for five years.

In a September 7 decision, the Sixth Division ordered Tan to pay P5,000 each for his five cases of violation of Section 8 of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Tan was accused of failing to submit his SALNs, including the Disclosure of Business Interests and Financial Connections and Identification of Relatives in Government Service, for years 2007 to 2011 before the Office of the Ombudsman until the April 30 deadline.

He informed the Sandiganbayan of his intention to enter a plea of guilty on all the charges during his arraignment. 

The Sandiganbayan said Tan was made aware of the consequences of pleading guilty, which it said means the former governor admits he failed to file his SALNs on time.

"When queried, the accused and his counsel informed the Court that the accused fully understood the nature and consequences of his entering a plea of guilty to the crime charged in the Informations," the Sandiganbayan said.

"Having pleaded guilty to the charges in the Informations, the accused is deemed to have admitted all the material facts alleged therein," it added.

Division chairperson Associate Justice Sarah Jane Fernandez penned the decision, with the concurrence of Associate Justices Michael Frederick Musngi and Reynaldo Cruz. — MDM, GMA News