The Sandiganbayan has cleared businesswoman Janet Napoles, former Agusan del Sur lawmaker Rodolfo “Ompong” Plaza, and eight others of multiple graft and malversation charges linked to the alleged misuse of P27.5 million in Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).
In a 234-page ruling, the anti-graft court found the accused “not guilty,” stating that the release of Plaza’s PDAF to the Social Development Program for Farmers Foundation Inc. (SDPFFI) and Masaganang Ani Para sa Magsasaka Foundation, Inc. (MAMFI) was part of valid government transactions.
According to a GMA News online report, the court emphasized that no evidence established ill intent or wrongdoing among the accused, adding that there was no proof they misused the PDAF or received kickbacks from the fund disbursements.
The decision also dismissed two direct bribery charges against Plaza, citing a lack of proof that he received commissions or illegal payments in exchange for endorsing SDPFFI as an NGO partner. The court noted that deposits in Plaza’s bank account were not proven to have come from PDAF allocations or bribery.
Following the ruling, the Sandiganbayan ordered the release of cash bonds posted by the acquitted individuals and lifted the Hold Departure Orders (HDOs) against them. The Bureau of Immigration was directed to remove their names from the Hold Departure List in relation to the case.
