The Sandiganbayan convicted Paulo Edison Dela Rita, Jr., member of the Sangguaniang Panlungsod of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, of Failure to Render Accounts under Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code.
Dela Rita was sentenced to pay a fine of P1,000.00.
Case records show that from 2008 to 2010, Dela Rita received a total of P209,897.00 as cash advances for travel expenses and sports tournaments.
During his arraignment in Dumaguete City, Dela Rita, assisted by counsel, entered a plea of guilty.
“After examination of the records of this case, the Court found that the record is replete with evidence to prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt, in addition to his spontaneous admission of guilt made in open court. Moreover, both parties admitted that accused already paid and satisfied the full amount of P209,897.00 alleged in the Information to be unliquidated cash advance made by said accused,” stated the Sentence of the Sandiganbayan. ###