The Sandiganbayan anti-graft court in Quezon City has convicted four individuals, including former Philippine Forest Corporation (PhilForest) executives, for their involvement in a Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

Former PhilForest president Erwin Krishna Santos and vice president Marijoyce Cornel were sentenced to 20-36 years in prison and barred from public office for violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and misappropriating public funds.

PhilForest finance manager Albert Rasalan received an 8-14 year sentence, while Queenie Rodriguez of the Maharlikang Lipi Foundation Incorporated (MLFI) was given a 16-24 year term.The scam involved diverting P4.6 million PDAF funds intended for agroforestry projects in Oriental Mindoro.

The Office of the Ombudsman accused the officials of embezzling funds that were transferred to MLFI in three tranches, despite the organization failing to meet equity requirements.The court highlighted the lack of evidence for project implementation and the authenticity of liquidation documents submitted by MLFI.Suppliers listed in the scam denied any transactions with MLFI, and the court emphasized the need for accountability in public fund allocation.