Ex-Cordillera exec gets 3-year probation instead of prison term

MANILA - The Sandiganbayan has allowed former Cordillera Administrative Region agrarian reform adjudicator Napoleon Baguilat, uncle of Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat, to go under 3-year probation instead of a prison term.

Napoleon Baguilat, uncle of Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat, was convicted last May 24 of direct bribery for asking P130,000 from a lawyer of the Sta. Lucia Realty Development Inc. in exchange for a favorable ruling on a land case.

He was sentenced to serve up to 3 years and 6 months in jail, and pay a P200,000 fine.

In its decision, the Sandiganbayan granted Baguilat's application for probation after evaluating the "Post-Sentence Investigation Report."

His probation is subject to court conditions.

Baguilat was ordered to report to his Supervising Probation and Parole Officer at least twice a month.

He must also remain in his home address in Quezon City, and he cannot transfer to another address without prior approval.

The Sandiganbayan also required Baguilat to devote himself to a specific employment or pursue a prescribed secular study or vocational training.

A parole officer or an authorized volunteer aide will visit his house or place of work.

He must secure written approval before traveling beyond 30 days outside the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan and the chief probation officer of Quezon City.

While outside prison, Baguilat must also render community service, participate in tree planting activities, and meet his family responsibilities.

Baguilat must also refrain from "associating with persons of questionable character, and shall not commit any crime or other offense."

In case a need for medical, psychological or psychiatric examination is needed, Baguilat can only enter and remain in a specified institution.

Lastly, he must cooperate with his program of supervision if any other conditions related to his rehabilitation will be given.

"In the event the Petitioner fails to observe the preceding conditions and/or has committed any material misrepresentation in his application for probation, his probation may be revoked by the Court or the conditions thereof modified," the Sandiganbayan said in the decision.