MANILA — The Supreme Court of the Philippines has upheld the conviction of former Teresita Soliva for malversation of public funds over her failure to liquidate cash advances from municipal development funds.

In a 26-page decision, the Third Division affirmed the ruling of the Sandiganbayan, which found Soliva guilty of violating Articles 217 and 218 of the Revised Penal Code.

“[T]he prosecution was able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Soliva knowingly and intentionally committed the crime of malversation. Despite the fact that demand letters were duly received by Soliva, she deliberately ignored the periods within which she was required to settle her obligations,” the court said.

The court noted that Soliva, who served as mayor from 2001 to 2007, received multiple cash advances for confidential and intelligence funds, travel, and peace and order expenses, but failed to comply with demand letters requiring liquidation or return of over P900,000.

While Soliva claimed the amounts were refunded through payroll deductions during the pending case, she did not present evidence to support this. The SC emphasized that partial repayment does not eliminate criminal liability for malversation.

The High Court also rejected the plea for a new trial, citing her repeated absences during hearings as showing a lack of effort to defend herself.

The decision, penned by Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, was promulgated in August 2025 and made public in March 2026.