Editor’s note: In an earlier version of this story, we reported that South Cotabato 1st District Representative Pedro Acharon Jr was acquitted over a case in connection with unliquidated funds. He was acquitted over unlawful travel authorities. This correction has been made.

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Sandiganbayan dropped the graft charge against South Cotabato 1st District Representative Pedro Acharon Jr in connection with irregularities in a US junket in 2006.

The anti-graft court’s 7th Division promulgated the acquittal in open court on Tuesday, March 28, which Acharon attended. 

The case stemmed from travel authorities he issued to councilors when he was mayor of General Santos City, in their trip to California in 2006 for the Tambayoyong Festival. 

By acquitting Acharon, the court will also release the cash bond and lift the hold departure order on the congressman.

Acharon was also earlier charged with graft for the unliquidation of P2.5 million worth of funds in the festival. He was arraigned in 2014.

Acharon was reelected as representative of the 1st District of South Cotabato in May 2016. – Rappler.com