G.R. No. 262987 - EDGARDO H. TIDALGO, VS. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES.D E C I S I O N - Supreme Court E-Library

Ruling

WHEREFORE, the Court finds accused Adelardo P. Hernandez, Jeffrey F. Jumawan, Nestor F. Almeda, Edgardo H. Tidalgo , and Diego P. Odchimar, Jr. GUILTY beyond reasonable doubt of violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019. Each of them is sentenced to an indeterminate penalty of imprisonment of six (6) years and one (1) month, as minimum, to eight (8) years, as maximum, with perpetual disqualification from holding public office. They are also ordered to pay, jointly and severally, the Government of the Philippines the amount of 15 million representing the value of the 15,000 sacks of rice, with interest at the rate of 6% per annum reckoned from the date of finality of this Decision. Accused Felix D. Gonzales, Reynaldo G. Batoon, Domingo Lucero, Jr., Ignacio G. Espina and Jessie S. Doce are ACQUITTED for failure of the prosecution to prove the guilt beyond reasonable doubt of the crime charged. SO ORDERED.