Sandigan upholds graft conviction of former Quezon City exec

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February 23, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the conviction for graft of former Quezon City administrator Aldrin Cuña in connection with a P25.3-million solar power and waterproofing contract in 2019.

In a 13-page resolution, the anti-graft court’s Third Division denied Cuña’s appeal, which sought to reverse the Sandiganbayan’s decision sentencing him to up to eight years in prison with perpetual disqualification from holding public office and forfeiture of retirement or gratuity benefits.

In his motion for reconsideration, Cuña argued that the court erred in finding gross inexcusable negligence on his part when he signed the acknowledgment receipt for equipment (ARE) and sub-acknowledgment receipt for equipment (Sub-ARE), as well as in affixing his signatures in the disbursement voucher.

He said the criminal indictment only charged him on the ground of his issuance of an undated certificate of acceptance.

The Sandiganbayan, however, rejected Cuña’s argument, saying the variance between the undated certificate of acceptance, vis-a-vis the ARE, sub-ARE and initials in the disbursement voucher “did not impair his right to prepare for his defense.”

“Contrary to Cuña’s assertion, he was able to sufficiently defend himself, even testifying as to the validity of the ARE, sub-ARE and his initials in the disbursement voucher,” the resolution stated. “He failed to raise any profound arguments and legal basis to counteract the court’s findings that he gave unwarranted benefits and advantages to the solar company through his gross inexcusable negligence.”

The resolution was penned by Associate Justice Ronald Moreno with the concurrence of division chair Associate Justice Karl Miranda and Associate Justice Fritz Bryn Anthony Delos Santos.

While Cuña was convicted, his co-accused, former Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista, was acquitted due to the failure of the prosecution to prove his guilt.

Bautista and Cuña were charged with graft in relation to the supply and installation of solar power system and waterproofing works for a civic center building amounting to P25.3 million.