(Eagle News) –The Sandiganbayan has junked former Iloilo Rep. Augusto Syjuco Jr.’s appeal of an earlier decision that rejected his plea for the dismissal of the graft and malversation cases filed against him.
The Special Fifth Division said in a four-page resolution promulgated on December 15 that it sees “no cogent reason” to reverse its Sept. 13 resolution that ruled the trial in connection with Syjuco’s alleged misuse of pork barrel funds in 2000 should push through since there was no violation in the former lawmaker’s right to a speedy trial.
In the Sept. 13 resolution, which stemmed from Syjuco’s motion to dismiss, the division had said the more than 10 years it took the Ombudsman to investigate Syjuco’s case were justified “because of the complexities of the issues.” in the case.
According to the division, Syjuco’s arguments in his appeal were “mere reiterations” of his motion to dismiss.
The Ombudsman has accused Syjuco of choosing his own non-government organization, Tagipusuon Foundation Inc., to implement the Department of Agriculture’s P4.3-million poultry production project.
It said the NGO, which has no experience, was chosen without the conduct of a public bidding.
The Ombudsman also noted that the NGO entered into a memorandum of agreement with Syjuco-owned Ilonggo Chickboy Corp. for the supply of chickens.