TWO EXECUTIVES of the Sarangani provincial government face a 90-day suspension while their graft case over a P1.5-million book distribution project is under trial. The Sandiganbayan, in a media release last Friday, March 2, announced the suspension of Provincial Agricultural Development Officer Sittiehawa Marohomsalic and Budget Officer Wahid Diama for irregularities surrounding the award and distribution of 15,000 copies of ABC My Practice Book II in 2003. In a five-page resolution, the Sandiganbayan said the suspension of the two officers “is proper to prevent the accused from committing further acts of malfeasance while in office.” The court added: “For as long as the anti-graft charge against the accused remains in litigation, without distinction as to stage of the proceeding, by the literal and clear provision of said law, suspension pendente lite is availing.” The Sandiganbayan also noted that any official facing criminal prosecution for graft or fraud “shall be suspended from office,” as provided under Section 13 of RA 3019 and Title 7, Book II of the Revised Penal Code. — Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz

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