NGO exec found guilty of malversation of P2.4M PDAF

The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has found the president of Pangkabuhayan Foundation, Inc. (PFI) guilty beyond reasonable doubt of malversation of public funds in connection with the misuse of P2.4 million Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of former Malabon-Navotas Representative Alvin Sandoval.

In a 46-page decision promulgated on June 30, the anti-graft court sentenced Petronila Balmaceda of imprisonment of 8 to 11 years, and fine of P2.4 million, which is equivalent to the amount malversed.

Also charged is Antonio Ortiz, the director general of the Technology Resource Center (TRC), who remains at large.

The Sandiganbayan said the TRC transferred P2.4 million to PFI which was supposed to fund livelihood projects in Malabon and Navotas.

“It was alleged that the funds, which were intended as financial assistance for the Lone District of Malabon City-Navotas City for the implementation of the livelihood projects therein and coursed through Technology Resource Center (TRC), formerly known as the Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC), were instead transferred to Pangkabuhayan Foundation, Inc. (PFI), in violation of existing laws and regulations requiring strict compliance with accreditation procedures and the proper selection of a non-governmental organization (NGO),” the decision read.

Further, the anti-graft court said there was no evidence that such livelihood projects were implemented.

“Notwithstanding the release of the funds, the prosecution convincingly established that no credible or competent evidence was presented to demonstrate that the purported livelihood project was ever implemented,” the decision read.

“The records are bereft of reliable beneficiary lists, delivery receipts, liquidation reports, acknowledgment receipts, inspection reports, or any comparable documentation ordinarily attendant to legitimate government-funded projects,” it added.

The Sandiganbayan said the lack of documentation prompted the Commission of Audit to find the transaction “irregular and non-compliant with applicable auditing and disbursement rules.”

“Taken together, the evidence clearly demonstrates that public funds were released to PFI without proof that the intended project was ever implemented, and that accused Ortiz failed to properly account for the disbursed amount,” the decision read.

Balmaceda must also pay the government the total of P2.4 million plus interest of 6% per annum from the finality of this decision until full payment, by way of his civil liability. — BAP, GMA News