PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The Sandiganbayan has overturned its earlier decision convicting Mayor Lucena Demaala of Narra town, southern Palawan, of 14 counts of graft and corruption and sentencing her to a minimum of 85 years and a maximum 140 years in prison.
Demaala said Tuesday night that it was Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez, who first told her about her acquittal by the special appellate collegial court.
“God is so good that He wants me to still serve Narra,” said Demaala, who described her earlier conviction as “the saddest part” of her life.
A copy of the dispositive portion of the Sandiganbayan decision, which was obtained by the Philippine News Agency (PNA), said it was granting Demaala’s motion for reconsideration dated Jan. 3, 2018, and the supplement to it on Jan. 8, 2018.
“The questioned Decision promulgated on Dec. 15, 2017, is reversed and set aside and a new one is entered acquitting accused Lucena Diaz Demaala of violation of Section 3(h) of Republic Act No. 3019 on fourteen counts,” the dispositive stated.
The order, which was signed by presiding Judge Ampara Cabotaje-Tang, also lifted the hold departure order issued against Demaala dated April 9, 2002.
The case against the Narra mayor stemmed from a transaction purchase of school, office, and sports supplies in 2000 amounting to PHP93,512 with ADB Trading, involving her daughter, Arleen Diaz Barquilla-Cabando.
She was then sentenced by the Sandiganbayan Special 3rd Division to a prison term of 85 years to 140 years for her graft involvement. Each of the 14 counts merits at least six years and one month to 10 years.
The mayor, who addressed her constituents in Narra town Wednesday morning in her social media account, said the Sandiganbayan decision vindicated her.
“I felt so humiliated nationally. It’s my family who was my stronghold and the faith in God that gave me the guts to survive. Truly, I am very thankful for my acquittal. This will free me from the mental pains and pangs of suffering. Every day, I pray and hope I will be freed from my conviction. Today will be my happiest moment with my family. Our honor will be restored,” she added. (Celeste Anna Formoso/PNA)
