The Sandiganbayan has denied the demurrer movement of former officers of state-run Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) and personal people from non-government entities in relation to the ten counts of malversation of public funds, graft, and different associated legal instances.
The case is in relation to the discretionary fund of former Manila lawmaker Joel Hizon. The accused are TLRC officers Dennis Cunanan and Francisco Figura in addition to officers of Dr. Rodolfo A. Ignacio, Sr. Foundation, Inc. (DRAISFI) Rolleo and Bernadita Ignacio, Sr. Foundation, Inc. (DRAISFI) Rolleo and Bernadita Ignacio.
Sandiganbayan denied their petition because it dominated that the prosecution was in a position to present enough proof.
“In their separate motions praying for leave of court to file demurrer to evidence, accused Figura, Rolleo and Bernardita Ignacio, and Cunanan essentially contend that the evidence adduced by the prosecution is insufficient to prove their guilt of the crimes charged against them. The contention of the above-mentioned accused is untenable,” the Sandiganbayan mentioned in a nine-page Resolution dated June 16, 2023.
“After a careful study, the Court finds that the evidence adduced by the prosecution, testimonial and documentary, appear to be prima facie sufficient to sustain the conviction of the accused of the crimes charged against them, unless successfully rebutted by defense evidence,” added the Sandiganbayan.
The anti-graft courtroom argued that the prosecution introduced testimonial proof from 12 witnesses and 20 documentary proof thus far protecting the fees, which allege conspiracy among the many accused within the fee of the crimes.
“There is therefore a need for accused Figura, Rolleo, Bernardita Ignacio, and Cunanan to present evidence to disprove the charges against them or their non-participation in the alleged conspiracy,” the Sandiganbayan mentioned.
The Sandiganbayan outlined a prima facie case as a reason behind motion that’s sufficiently established by a celebration’s proof to justify a verdict in his favor, offered such proof isn’t efficiently rebutted by the opposite celebration.
“Wherefore, premises thought of, the Court hereby denies the next:
“Wherefore, premises considered, the Court hereby deny the following:
a) Motion To Demur With Leave of Court dated April 17, 2023 filed by accused Francisco Figura, through counsel;
b) Motion for Leave to File Demurrer to Evidence dated April 17, 2023 filed by accused Rolleo Ignacio and Bernardita Ignacio, through counsel; and
c) Motion For Leave To File Demurrer to Evidence dated April 18, 2023 filed by accused Dennis Cunanan, through counsel,” the Sandiganbayan added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
