MANILA — The Sandiganbayan Third Division found Marilou Ferrer, corporate secretary of Kabuhayan at Kalusugang Alay sa Masa Foundation, Inc. (KKAMFI), guilty of graft and malversation for the alleged misuse of Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allocations between 2007 and 2008.

According to the court, former Misamis Occidental First District Rep. Marina Clarete, one of Ferrer’s co-accused, endorsed KKAMFI to implement a livelihood project funded with her P4.5-million PDAF allocation. The project involved procuring and distributing livelihood technology kits. However, KKAMFI, controlled by Marilou Antonio, was allegedly unaccredited and unqualified to handle the funds, which were reportedly diverted for Antonio’s benefit.

Ferrer reportedly acknowledged receiving the project materials in full, despite the project being non-existent. Both Ferrer and Antonio allegedly falsified documents, including physical reports, disbursement and liquidation reports, certificates of acceptance, beneficiary lists, receipts, and invoices, to make it appear that the project had been completed. They also secured the release of retention money totaling P1.696 million in 2007 and 2008.

The Sandiganbayan sentenced Ferrer to 6 to 10 years in prison for each count of graft and to an indeterminate penalty of 2 years, 4 months, and 1 day to 6 years and 1 day for malversation through falsification of public documents. She was also fined P436,500, with 6% annual legal interest from finality of the decision, and held jointly liable with other co-accused to reimburse the same amount to the government. Ferrer was banned from holding public office.

In an ABS-CBN News report, Ferrer maintained her innocence, claiming she was merely “used” by the foundation and had no knowledge of the alleged anomalies.

Her lawyer, Jose Parcon of the Public Attorneys Office, said they plan to file an appeal with the Supreme Court, noting that Ferrer is indigent and is currently under temporary liberty through a surety bond.