Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo is unfazed by the decision of the Sandiganbayan denying his motion to dismiss the criminal aspect of the case filed against him in connection with the alleged unauthorized use of the P143 million calamity fund intended to finance construction of 11 infrastructure projects damaged by tropical storm Sendong in late 2011.
Degamo had earlier refused to comment on news reports regarding the Sandiganbayan’s decision because he has not received the official copy of said resolution.
However, it was incumbent upon him to assure the public that he remains focused on his functions and responsibilities as governor of the province, contrary to misleading reports in the social media that he is about to be imprisoned.
Degamo said Tuesday afternoon he was informed the denial was only on his motion to dismiss the complaint due to inordinate delay and based on the decision of the Court of Appeals.
The national president of the People’s Solidarity Federal Party (PSFP) Atty. Joel Obar said he believes the Court of Appeals (CA) decision is the strongest defense of the governor.
Obar said the fact remains that the Court of Appeals has already declared that Degamo acted in good faith in proceeding with the implementation of the projects during that time to save on lives and properties.
He said that whenever an evidence will attempt to prove a wrong doing on the part of the governor, it will be subjected to a lot of objection as he will cite earlier decision of the CA that Degamo acted in good faith.
Obar further said maybe lawyers of the governor have seen inordinate delays in the filing of the case due to doubts it is filed with a sinister purpose to use it politically.
Obar also said that while he believes that Provincial Attorney Richard Enojo should defend the Governor since Degamo was sued in his official capacity it would be best to comply with the decision of the Sandiganbayan, who ruled that Enojo should desist from doing the same. (Juancho Gallarde/PNA)
