Ligot seeks probation instead of jail time for perjury conviction

Former military comptroller retired Lieutenant General Jacinto Ligot has applied for probation after the Sandiganbayan convicted him for alleged making misdeclarations in his Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

Ligot filed his application at the First Division on April 22, urging the court to place him under probation because he would not appeal the guilty verdict meted against him.

"He has not perfected nor does he intend to perfect an appeal from the aforementioned decision of the honorable court," Ligot said.

"He undertakes to comply with such terms and conditions as this honorable court may impose of his application for probation will be granted," he added.

Ligot said his application was also covered by Presidential Decree No. 968 which created the probation system.

He said he was qualified to benefit from the decree, based on its Section 9.

Ligot said his maximum prison sentence was not more than six years nor was he convicted of any offense against the security of the state.

"Wherefore, in light of the foregoing, it is respectfully prayed of the honorable court that the execution of sentence of the accused Jacinto Ligot be suspended and that he be placed on probation," Ligot's application read.

The Sandiganbayan found Ligot guilty of six counts of perjury on April 12 in connection with the alleged unexplained wealth of his family. 

He faces a one-year imprisonment "for each count."

The Sandiganbayan ruled that Ligot failed to disclose several hectares of land in Bukidnon and Rizal, posh condominium units, houses and lots in the United States, several vehicles, and millions of pesos in deposits in his SALN from 1998 to 2003.