For the illegal collection of internet fees from students of the Batangas State University in 2000 to 2002, former President Ernesto De Chavez was convicted by the Sandiganbayan for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act). De Chavez was sentenced to imprisonment ranging from six to ten years and was also meted the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
In a Decision rendered by the special 2nd division, it was found that De Chavez and co-accused Rolando Lontok, Jr. unlawfully collected P550.00 from each student as school internet fee. Ombudsman prosecutors presented witnesses who testified that the fee collection was not sanctioned by the school board and was not supported with official receipts. Witnesses also testified that the collected fees were deposited in the personal bank accounts of De Chavez and Lontok.
According to the court, “the system of collection and disbursement of expenses designed by the accused also gave them unwarranted benefit, allowing them to spend the internet fund [totaling close to P500,000.00] as they please, since it would no longer be subjected to the usual procedure of procurement and accounting required for public funds.”
The case against co-accused Lontok, who remains at-large, was archived pending his arrest. ###