Manila Times
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Monday, May 19, 2025
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Philippine Supreme Court Acquits Former Sports Commission Chairman of Graft Charges
William ‘Butch’ Ramirez cleared of allegations connected to 2008-2009 funding of the national swimming team.
The Supreme Court of the Philippines has acquitted William ‘Butch’ Ramirez, former chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), of graft charges related to funding for the national swimming team.
The decision marks a significant reversal of the findings by the Sandiganbayan, a special court that handles graft and corruption cases.
The charges against Ramirez arose from the direct release of approximately P37 million in public funds by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) to the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) between 2008 and 2009. The prosecution argued that this transaction violated Section 26 of Republic Act 6847, which stipulates that only the PSC should receive its share of the funds generated from Pagcor.
The Supreme Court's ruling indicated that the funds were distributed through a unilateral action authorized by Pagcor’s board, and emphasized that Ramirez did not provide any unintended benefits to PASA, thereby ensuring no disadvantage to other athletes or sports associations.
The court also noted that the amount transferred was subsequently deducted from PSC’s share of Pagcor revenues, further asserting that Ramirez acted within the bounds of his responsibilities.
During Ramirez's tenure, the Philippines witnessed significant advancements in international sports, highlighted by the country's historic achievement of winning its first Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games, secured by weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz.
The decision marks a significant reversal of the findings by the Sandiganbayan, a special court that handles graft and corruption cases.
The charges against Ramirez arose from the direct release of approximately P37 million in public funds by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) to the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) between 2008 and 2009. The prosecution argued that this transaction violated Section 26 of Republic Act 6847, which stipulates that only the PSC should receive its share of the funds generated from Pagcor.
The Supreme Court's ruling indicated that the funds were distributed through a unilateral action authorized by Pagcor’s board, and emphasized that Ramirez did not provide any unintended benefits to PASA, thereby ensuring no disadvantage to other athletes or sports associations.
The court also noted that the amount transferred was subsequently deducted from PSC’s share of Pagcor revenues, further asserting that Ramirez acted within the bounds of his responsibilities.
During Ramirez's tenure, the Philippines witnessed significant advancements in international sports, highlighted by the country's historic achievement of winning its first Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games, secured by weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz.
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