Ex-judge, ex-clerk of court to face graft, malversation raps

The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to file graft and malversation charges against a former judge and a former clerk of court of the Municipal Trial Court (MTC) in Koronadal City for embezzlement of P1.07 million.

 

According to a press release, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of charges against former Presiding Judge Agustin Sardido and former Clerk of Court Normandie Ines for malversation and violation of Section 3(e) Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

 

The Ombudsman said the charges stemmed from shortages discovered in the Judiciary Development Fund, Clerk of Court General Fund and Fiduciary Fund amounting to P1.07 million.

 

During the investigation, Sardido admitted borrowing P582,500 from the funds "to pay for the education of his children and a second-hand vehicle."

 

The Ombudsman said, "Ines and Sardido conspired with each other in the embezzlement of the posted Cash Bonds as Fiduciary Fund from September 21, 1993 to September 30, 2001 in the total sum of P955,026."

 

Ines also failed to "issue official receipts on the posted Cash Bonds in different cases in the total amount  of P460,200, and Sardido willfully approving such posted Cash Bonds without Official Receipt issued."

 

"Payment, reimbursement, restitution or indemnification of the amount malversed will not in any way exonerate an accused since they are not among those circumstances for extinction of criminal liability," the Ombudsman said.

 

Meanwhile, Sardido was dismissed from the service by the Supreme Court. — Amanda Fernandez/JDS, GMA News