MANILA, Philippines The Sandiganbayan has dismissed the appeal of Janet LimNapoles and former lawmaker Edgar Valdez to reverse their conviction for graft over the misuse of P57.78 million in pork barrel funds from 2004 to 2010. Napoles and Valdez were apprised that the plunder information included the lesser offenses of bribery and corruption of public officers. They were not caught by surprise and were not oblivious to these lesser offenses, the antigraft court s Special Fifth Division said in a 20page resolution. Napoles was ordered to pay the government P79.04 million, with a six percent interest every year until full payment. The antigraft court also reduced their fines from P26 million to P23.99 million. In 2023, the Sandiganbayan acquitted Napoles and Valdez of plunder but found them guilty of nine counts of corruption of and direct bribery, respectively. They were sentenced to six years in prison instead of life imprisonment for plunder. Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Signup for the News Round now
Sandiganbayan dismisses Janet Napoles and Edgar Valdez's appeal to reverse their graft conviction for misusing P57.78 million in pork barrel funds. Napoles ordered to pay P79.04 million plus interest, with reduced fines. Earlier acquitted of plunder, they are now guilty of corruption and bribery, sentenced to six years in prison.