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Former Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala Acquitted In P13.5 Million Graft Case
Screengrab from DA
The Sandiganbayan 6th Division has acquitted former Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala in a high-profile graft case involving the alleged misappropriation of P13.5 million in government funds. The case revolved around funds provided to a farmers' foundation that was later deemed non-eligible.
The central issue in the case was whether the Department of Agriculture (DA) could legally accredit or award a project to a foundation whose incorporators were individuals connected to the DA official responsible for processing or approving the application. The court's decision hinged on the interpretation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, specifically Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019.
The charges, which were filed in an Information dated February 12, 2018, alleged that Alcala, along with other accused individuals, conspired to cause undue injury to the government by giving unwarranted benefits to the Isa Akong Magsasaka Foundation, Inc. (IAMFI). The prosecution claimed that Alcala, as the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture at the time, had acted with manifest partiality, evident bad faith, or gross inexcusable negligence.
The court proceedings revealed that Alcala had signed the Certificate of Accreditation for IAMFI as a DA development partner and had entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the foundation for the construction of the Quezon Corn Trading and Processing Center. The legal team on both sides stipulated that Alcala, Laureano Arnulfo Fidelino Mañalac, and Bautista Hernandez Ella were the same individuals charged in the case.
In its Pre-Trial Order dated February 6, 2019, the court acknowledged that it had jurisdiction over the accused and that Alcala had held the position of DA Secretary during the relevant period. Furthermore, the court considered evidence including Commission on Audit Circular No. 2007-01 and Department of Agriculture - Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (DA-APTC) Program documents.
The verdict, delivered on August 24, 2023, stated that Proceso Jaraza Alcala was acquitted of the charges of violating Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019 due to reasonable doubt. However, Laureano Arnulfo Fidelino Mañalac was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the same offense. Mañalac was sentenced to an indeterminate imprisonment term of six years and one month to ten years, along with perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
Additionally, the court ordered Mañalac to return the amount of Php13,500,000.00 to the Department of Agriculture, representing the total funds paid to IAMFI for the construction of the Quezon Corn Trading and Processing Center. The verdict clarified that Alcala's hold departure order related to the case was lifted, and the bonds posted by him were released, subject to standard accounting and auditing procedures.
The central issue in the case was whether the Department of Agriculture (DA) could legally accredit or award a project to a foundation whose incorporators were individuals connected to the DA official responsible for processing or approving the application. The court's decision hinged on the interpretation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, specifically Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019.
The charges, which were filed in an Information dated February 12, 2018, alleged that Alcala, along with other accused individuals, conspired to cause undue injury to the government by giving unwarranted benefits to the Isa Akong Magsasaka Foundation, Inc. (IAMFI). The prosecution claimed that Alcala, as the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture at the time, had acted with manifest partiality, evident bad faith, or gross inexcusable negligence.
The court proceedings revealed that Alcala had signed the Certificate of Accreditation for IAMFI as a DA development partner and had entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the foundation for the construction of the Quezon Corn Trading and Processing Center. The legal team on both sides stipulated that Alcala, Laureano Arnulfo Fidelino Mañalac, and Bautista Hernandez Ella were the same individuals charged in the case.
In its Pre-Trial Order dated February 6, 2019, the court acknowledged that it had jurisdiction over the accused and that Alcala had held the position of DA Secretary during the relevant period. Furthermore, the court considered evidence including Commission on Audit Circular No. 2007-01 and Department of Agriculture - Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (DA-APTC) Program documents.
The verdict, delivered on August 24, 2023, stated that Proceso Jaraza Alcala was acquitted of the charges of violating Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019 due to reasonable doubt. However, Laureano Arnulfo Fidelino Mañalac was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the same offense. Mañalac was sentenced to an indeterminate imprisonment term of six years and one month to ten years, along with perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
Additionally, the court ordered Mañalac to return the amount of Php13,500,000.00 to the Department of Agriculture, representing the total funds paid to IAMFI for the construction of the Quezon Corn Trading and Processing Center. The verdict clarified that Alcala's hold departure order related to the case was lifted, and the bonds posted by him were released, subject to standard accounting and auditing procedures.
Aug 24, 2023
