Lawmaker maintains innocence after anti-graft court’s ‘guilty’ verdict for malversation

PALAWAN 3rd District Rep. Edward Hagedorn clarified on Saturday that the charge against him refers to the malversation of public property, and does not involve taking or misusing public funds. Nonetheless, Hagedorn said he maintains that he is “innocent” of the charges.

PALAWAN 3rd District Rep. Edward Hagedorn. Photo from HoR

“It is about PNP-issued firearms, which I was accused of not returning,” Rep. Hagedorn said, referring to the Philippine National Police.

“However, I maintain my innocence of these charges, and I maintain that I turned these firearms over to the PNP. I firmly believe that the evidence will eventually vindicate me,” he said.

The former Puerto Princesa mayor was found guilty of malversation by the Sandiganbayan on Friday after neglecting to surrender 14 assault firearms to his successor in office.

The anti-graft court sentenced Hagedorn to up to seven years in prison and permanently disqualified him from holding public office in a 48-page decision written by Associate Justice Ronald Moreno on June 30. He was also fined P490,000.

“In my years of public service, I have never enriched myself at the expense of the Filipino people. I steadfastly maintain my innocence of these charges against me,” Hagedorn said.