Bogus foundation exec to face trial for graft

The Sandiganbayan has denied for lack of merit the motion for reconsideration of one of the incorporators of Perdido Lex Foundation seeking to dismiss the graft charges against her.

Associate Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang ruled to proceed with the trial against Teodora Limcangco for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Limcangco was one of the incorporators of Perdido Lex Foundation which the Cebu provincial government gave P5 million in public funds for its computerization program for the youths in 2002. It was later found out that the foundation did not exist.

"In sum, even on the merits, the motion fails to present any substantial arguments to warrant a reconsideration of the court's resolution promulgated on March 1, 2018," read the resolution.

Limcangco sought for a reconsideration on the court's denial of her motion to quash information. She argued the mere fact of affixing her signature in the Articles of Incorporation of Perdido Lex Foundation does not establish conspiracy.

Limcangco claimed she had no participation in the accreditation of Perdido Lex Foundation, Inc. and in the released of the public funds in favor of the said foundation.

She added there was no conspiracy because her name was never mentioned by the prosecution witnesses; and, that she did not act with bad faith, manifest partiality and/or gross inexcusable negligence.

Government prosecutors opposed the motion, saying that the arguments of Limcangco were mere rehashed and were already tackled earlier. According to the prosecutors, the evidence shows that she was one of the incorporators of the bogus foundation.

“She cannot feign ignorance of the deceit that the foundation and her co-accused committed against the Provincial Government of Cebu and its youth," the prosecution said.

The anti-graft court ruled that Limcangco's arguments are better presented during the trial.