SC upholds graft conviction of ex-Siquijor mayor, 3 others over 4.9-M fertilizer deal

September 8, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

The Supreme Court has upheld the graft conviction of former Lazi, Siquijor Mayor Orville Fua and three others over the irregular procurement of more than P4.9 million worth of fertilizers.

In a decision penned by Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier, the SC Second Division affirmed the Sandiganbayan ruling finding Fua, Rose Marie Tomogsoc, Natalio Bongcawel Jumawan Jr., Sue Agnes Castillon, and private individual Merlyn Estallo Lu guilty of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The Court found that the officials favored Mangopina Trading Inc. despite violations of government procurement rules, including the lack of required bidding documents and procedures.

They were sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and perpetually disqualified from holding public office.#