Supreme Court orders ₱155 million asset forfeiture in landmark graft case
The Supreme Court has upheld the forfeiture of over ₱155 million in undeclared assets linked to retired lieutenant general Jacinto Ligot. The ruling confirms that unexplained wealth—even when registered under other names—can be seized if traced back to a public official. This decision reinforces the government’s stance against ill-gotten gains among military personnel and civil servants.
The case centred on properties, bank deposits, and investment accounts worth ₱102 million and ₱53 million respectively. These assets were found undeclared in Ligot’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs). The Sandiganbayan initially ordered their forfeiture, prompting Ligot and his family to appeal, claiming the wealth belonged to relatives with legitimate income.
The ruling sets a precedent for future cases involving undeclared wealth among public officials. Ligot’s assets, totalling ₱155 million, will now be forfeited to the state. The decision also strengthens the legal framework for holding officials accountable for disproportionate wealth, regardless of how it is registered.
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