Manila, Sept. 4 -- The Sandiganbayan has found a former Nueva Ecija town mayor guilty of malversation of PHP3.5 million in public funds, representing unliquidated cash advances dating back to 2006.

In a 31-page decision promulgated on Sept. 2, the anti-graft court sentenced former Laur, Nueva Ecija mayor Blas Canlas to up to 16 years imprisonment.

"The accused, being the accountable officer and the recipient of the cash advances in this case, had the obligation to comply with the COA (Commission on Audit) rules on its liquidation. Furthermore, as head of agency, or the local chief executive of the municipality, he had the responsibility to ensure that the grant, utilization, and liquidation of all cash advances are in accordance with th...