Sandiganbayan upholds conviction of former Benguet Provincial Cashier's malversation

Benguet, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan has upheld the guilty verdict against Esther Pagano, the former Benguet provincial cashier, for malversation of public funds.

The case against Pagano stemmed from allegations that she failed to account for P4,080,799.57 in provincial funds back in 1997. As the provincial cashier, Pagano held the responsibility of collecting both cash and checks, depositing these sums into banks under Benguet’s General Fund.

In its decision promulgated last February 28, the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 10 in La Trinidad found Pagano guilty of 12 counts of malversation. The trial court sentenced her to prison terms ranging from two to seven years in 11 cases, and from 10 to 16 years in one instance.

Despite Pagano's appeal, contesting the lower court's decision, the Sandiganbayan found no substantial grounds to overturn the earlier judgment. The court emphasized that it is reluctant to intervene in the trial court's factual findings unless those findings demonstrate clear errors, absurdity, speculation, conjecture, conflict, or are marred by grave abuse of discretion.

Furthermore, the Sandiganbayan highlighted that the trial court, having directly observed the witnesses and their demeanor during the trial, holds a superior position to evaluate their credibility.

The Sandiganbayan's decision to affirm the guilty verdict reinforces the accountability and responsibility expected from public officials entrusted with managing public funds.

Pagano's conviction serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences of mishandling public finances.

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