Sandigan convicts ex-Zambo del Norte mayor over unliquidated travel expenses

The Sandiganbayan has found the former mayor of La Libertad, Zamboanga del Norte guilty of failing to liquidate her travel expenses within the prescribed period of 60 days.

An order promulgated by the Sixth Division found former mayor Anjanette Sulit guilty beyond reasonable doubt for her failure to render accounts as defined and penalized under Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code.

The Sandiganbayan also meted a P6,000 penalty against Sulit, who paid the amount on June 14.

Based on the case information, Sulit received a total cash advance of P92,476.13 from July 2, 2010 to October 15, 2012 to cover her travel expenses. She, however, failed to liquidate the funds within two months as required by the Commission on Audit.

Sulit had informed the Sandiganbayan of her intention to change her earlier plea of not guilty to guilty.

She presented a certification dated February 19, 2018 as proof on the return of the settled balance to the local government of La Libertad.

The prosecution made no objections to Sulit's change of plea.

"Wherefore, judgment is hereby rendered, finding accused Anjanette H. Sulit guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the offense of Failure to Render Accounts under Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code," the Sandiganbayan said.

The Sandiganbayan gave no award of damages given Sulit's payment of the balance and with the conformity of the prosecution. — MDM, GMA News