Manila, March 26 -- The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the decision of the Sandiganbayan convicting former Pagsanjan, Laguna Mayor Jeorge "ER" Ejercito Estregan of graft for awarding a contract to an unlicensed insurance company without public bidding.

In a news release on Wednesday, the SC said its First Division found Ejercito and Marilyn Bruel, owner of First Rapids Care Ventures (FRCV), guilty of violating Republic Act (RA) 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

They were sentenced to up to eight years in prison and permanently banned from holding public office.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the United Boatmen Association of Pagsanjan (UBAP), which accused Ejercito and other local officials of awarding a co...