Ex-GOCC exec gets 72 years jail time for pork barrel scam

FORMER Technology Resource Center (TRC) deputy director general Dennis Cunanan is looking at a 72-years jail sentence following his conviction on eight criminal charges in relation to the multi-billion pesos Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or “pork barrel” scam on August 8, 2024.

The Sandiganbayan Second Division found the Cunanan guilty on four counts of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) and four counts of malversation of public funds punishable under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code.

Associate Justice Arthur O. Malabaguio penned the 80-page Decision while Associate Justices Geraldine Faith A. Econg and Edgardo M. Caldona concurred.

Cunanan was sentenced to six to eight years imprisonment for each count of graft, and 12 to 18 years for each count of malversation of public funds or a total of 72 to 104 years.

His co-accused, former TRC Group manager Maria Rosalinda Lacsamana, was also convicted of similar offenses and sentenced to a total of 18 to 24 years for graft and 36 to 54 years for malversation.

Cunanan has likewise been dragged in the illegal operation of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility in Porac, Pampanga which was recently raided by police operatives.

The Sandiganbayan said the TRC officials expedited the release of public funds to dubious non-government organizations (NGOs) “in blatant disregard and violation of established legal and regulatory standards and procedures.”

“The funds were supposed to be for the implementation of various livelihood projects, yet none of these projects were executed. These acts not only undermine the sanctity of public office but also represent a grave betrayal of public trust that this Court cannot tolerate,” the court said.

Other than the jail terms, both accused were also disqualified from holding any other post in government in the future.

The court likewise ordered Cunanan to pay the government indemnity totaling P24 million in relation to his graft convictions, while Lacsamana was held jointly liable for P19.2 million of the said amount.

On top of these, fines were also imposed in the malversation charges amounting to P24 million against Cunanan and