Manila — In a recent development, the Sandiganbayan has handed down convictions for three former officials of the now-defunct Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) in relation to the misuse of P9.6 million allocated for purported livelihood projects in 2007 as part of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that Dennis Cunanan, one of the convicted individuals, firmly maintains his innocence and intends to appeal the verdict to the Supreme Court.
The verdict, delivered by the Sandiganbayan 3rd Division on September 15, found former TLRC executives Belina Concepcion, Dennis Cunanan, and Marivic Jover guilty on charges of graft, leading to sentences of 6 to 10 years of imprisonment, as well as malversation of public funds, resulting in 12 to 18 years of imprisonment.
This case pertained to the misallocation of funds from the PDAF of the late Negros Oriental 3rd District representative, Herminio Teves, who was posthumously exonerated. Notably, in 2013, the Supreme Court declared the PDAF unconstitutional.
Despite the convictions, Dennis Cunanan maintains that he diligently reviewed PDAF-related documents and made adjustments to the project implementation, which had been under scrutiny since 2010. He firmly believes in his innocence and is determined to pursue his appeal with the Supreme Court.
It is pertinent to highlight that in connection with cases related to the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), Mr. Dennis Cunanan has garnered the subsequent legal outcomes:
- 5 acquittals under the 2nd Division
- 2 acquittals under the 1st Division
- 1 acquittal based on demurrer under the 1st Division
These previous acquittals underscore his commitment to upholding his innocence and belief in a fair legal process. As the legal proceedings continue, Dennis Cunanan’s appeal reminds us that the final outcome is yet to be determined.