Quezon city: The Sandiganbayan has convicted a former Quezon City councilor in connection with ghost employees supposedly hired as field and area coordinators and street sweepers from 2009 to 2010. In a 67-page decision dated August 12, 2025, the Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division sentenced Dante de Guzman to up to 10 years for each of 16 counts of malversation and up to eight years for 16 counts of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

According to Philippines News Agency, although the prosecution was able to present only six individuals who testified to their non-involvement in the position under which they were officially designated, the evidence reveals a payroll scheme that was both systematic and well-coordinated. The court noted that this raises a strong probability that other ghost employees, beyond those identified in these cases, may have likewise been listed as payees despite rendering no actual service under their purported designations. The court also suggested that similar schemes may have been perpetrated by other officials in other offices.

The court ordered de Guzman’s perpetual disqualification from public office, forfeiture of his retirement or gratuity benefits under any law, and to indemnify the Quezon City government PHP361,500 in civil liability. Last year, he was sentenced to up to 32 years in prison for projects that, on paper, supposedly provided free raincoats, tents, sports equipment, and other items for his constituents 16 years ago.