Sandiganbayan finds ex-Zamboanga del Norte mayor guilty of falsifying documents

The Sandiganbayan sentenced a former mayor of Labason, Zamboanga del Norte with imprisonment of up to 4 years for falsifying public documents in the sale of a vehicle in 2011.

In a 30-page decision, the Anti-Graft Court found Carlos Wilfredo Subido Balais guilty beyond reasonable doubt for falsification of a public or official document under Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code.

The Court sentenced Balais to a minimum of 2 years and four months and a maximum of four years and two months of imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay a fine amounting to P10,000.

In January 2011, Balais issued a Notice of Award in favor of Oro Cars Display Center and signed a purchase order for the procurement of a vehicle.

According to the Court, Balais made it appear that the bid of Oro Cars amounting to P960,000 was accepted and that it participated in the bidding when it did not do so.

“After a careful review and appreciation of facts and evidence presented, the Court finds that there was actually no public bidding conducted for the procurement of the subject vehicle,” the Court said.

“Although competitive bidding was purportedly conducted, the same was riddled with irregularities,” it added.

Oro Cars Display Center owner Paz Tawi also testified that there was no bidding and the transaction between Oro Cars and Balais was private. She claimed that Balais also asked her to say there was bidding held if asked.

Further, she said the Oro Cars Display Center did not receive payment as it did not enter into any transaction with the local government.

“Evidently, all of these were just part of accused Balais’ scheme to profit from the said sale,” the Court said.

“In this case, the Court is convinced that the guilt of accused Balais was proven beyond reasonable doubt… the moral certainty required in the criminal cases has been adequately satisfied,” it later added. — DVM, GMA News