NorCot governor beats 6-year graft case

DAVAO CITY — North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza beat her six-year graft case and said it has allowed her to learn a valuable lesson at being a better leader.

Mendoza, in a thanksgiving gathering in Davao City on Sunday, expressed her gratitude on the experience she had as this made her a better public servant and a better individual.

“I am happy with the announcement of the Sandiganbayan. My experience on this matter taught me a lot,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza was earlier charged with three counts for violation of Section 3(e) of the Republic Act 3019 or the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The governor earlier authorized the release of R2.4 million from the provincial funds to pay for 49,526.72 liters of fuel used for one road grader and four dump trucks utilized during the two-day road rehabilitation projects.

However, there was no public bidding allegedly conducted, and instead the provincial government directly contracted for fuel with the gas station owned by Mendoza’s mother.

Following a complaint, the 6-year case resulted to the issuance of arrest warrant against the governor and her 90-day suspension from office.

The acquittal absolved Mendoza from any civil liability including on the criminal liability.

When asked whether this experience has an impact to her plans in 2019 election, the provincial governor said she will continue what she have started, though half of her mind has already thought of retiring from the service.

“Half of me wants to rest, while the other half will continue public service. It is a welcome development since I’ve been in the service for 26 years already,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza said this occasion is not only a victory which cleared her name but also for the people’s faith in the fairness of the country’s judicial system.