Former Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General, Jesus Verzosa was acquitted of graft charges over the chopper scam that enraged the PNP in 2009.
The 347-page decision from the Sandiganbayan ordered on reasonable doubt, that the accused Director General Versoza and others were acquitted of the charge of Violation of Section 3 (e) of R.A. No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corruptions Act.
Additionally, the anti-graft court ordered the cancellation and release of their cash bonds, including lifting the Hold Departure Order against them.
Consequentially, six officials namely;
- P/Dir. Luizo Ticman
- P/Dir. Ronald Roderos
- P/Dir. Romeo Hilomen
- P/Dir. Leocadio Santiago Jr.
- Hilario de Vera
They were found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Section 3 (e) of R.A. No. 3019. They each are sentenced to imprisonment of six years, with an additional one month as the maximum and eight years as the maximum, with perpetual disqualification from public office.
The same accused are also imposed to pay, jointly and solidarily, Php11,377,152.23 per unit for the two pre-owned helicopters as civil liability. The fine includes a six percent interest per annum from the finality of the decision until fully paid by the accused.
Meanwhile, Police Director Ronald Roderos was also found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of Falsification of Public Documents under Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code.
He was sentenced to a minimum of four years and two months of prison correctional, and eight years and one day of prison mayor as the maximum. Roderos was also ordered to pay a fine of Php5,000.
The controversy stemmed from the purchase of the Robinson R-44 Raven 1 helicopters. Two of the mentioned choppers were passed off as brand new and were supposedly approved and signed by former PNP Chief Verzosa.
The identified choppers were linked to former first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo. The Supreme Court (SC) eventually ordered Sandiganbayan to junk the graft charges against the former chief.
