The Sandiganbayan affirmed the graft conviction of actor-turned-politician Roderick Paulate. This comes after the former Quezon City councilor tried to appeal to reverse his conviction for hiring ghost employees back in 2010.

The Sandiganbayan released a 26-page resolution detailing why Roderick’s petition lacked merit.

READ:Roderick Paulate found guilty

“We deny the motion for lack of merit. After a careful perusal of the arguments raised by the accused, the court finds no cogent reason to disturb its earlier findings,” the resolution read.

Back in November 2022, the actor was found guilty of graft and falsification of public documents after allegedly pocketing over ₱1.1 million through falsifying documents when he declared he hired 30 employees who were non-existent.

The Sandiganbayan affirmed the conviction. The former comedian is guilty on one count of graft which is punishable by six to eight years of imprisonment. Roderick was also found guilty on nine counts of falsification of public documents. He would have to serve jail time for six months to six years and a fine of ₱10,000 for each count.

With the affirmation of the Sandiganbayan, he is bound to be imprisoned for at least 10.5 years minimum. He is also set to pay the government ₱1.2 million he is accused of pocketing with 6% interest each year until it is fully paid.

Meanwhile, the counsel of the actor maintained that he is innocent of the accusations that he was charged with. They continue to share that Roderick didn’t know that the employees he hired were non-existent.

READ: Roderick Paulate, charged with graft and falsification

“According to the best of his personal knowledge, these job contractors exist and that they are real persons. He saw people working,” the counsel said in their appeal.

The court didn’t find merit in their appeal as they stated that Roderick was at fault for signing the general payrolls and certifications for the services these ghost employees have rendered.

"Accused Paulate should not have neglected the other tasks in connection with his position, that is, delivering his promises to the constituents with utmost efficiency and integrity," the court added.