Sandiganbayan admits evidence of ex-mayors in their graft cases

The Sandiganbayan has ordered the admission of the pieces of evidence presented by former Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Mayor Zuriel S. Zaragoza and his father, Edgardo Zaragoza, in their cases for graft and malversation of public funds.

- By CZARINA NICOLE ONG-KI

But the anti-graft court said that they still have to prove the probative value of their evidence during the trial of the cases.

Zuriel and his father, who is also a former mayor of Narvacan, were charged with violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code on malversation of public funds.

They were accused of causing undue injury to the municipality by allegedly allowing the misappropriation of P81 million intended for the benefit of the Federation of Farmers of Narvacan.