Former Sultan Kudarat lawmaker faces four arrest warrants over alleged ₱8.8-million PDAF misuse
GENERAL SANTOS CITY (November 12) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has challenged wanted public officials to face their cases in court after former Sultan Kudarat congressman Arnulfo Go surrendered over four arrest warrants linked to the alleged misuse of ₱8.8 million in public funds.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Wednesday welcomed Go’s decision to submit himself to police custody rather than evade arrest, saying it demonstrated respect for due process and the rule of law.
Go surrendered to police in General Santos City on November 8 after the Sandiganbayan issued four arrest warrants against him in connection with the alleged misuse of his 2012 Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).
The cases involve alleged violations of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes malversation of public funds.
The ₱8.8-million controversy involves public funds allegedly diverted from projects intended for the municipality of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat. Go was indicted alongside three former municipal officials over the alleged irregularities.
Personnel of the Lebak Municipal Police Station facilitated his surrender along Mabuhay Road in Barangay San Isidro, following coordination with the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office and the General Santos City Police Office.
Nartatez urged other wanted individuals, including former and incumbent public officials, to surrender and face their cases in court, stressing that political position or influence would not exempt anyone from lawful arrest.
He said the PNP would continue enforcing court-issued warrants without fear or favor, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive, through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to strengthen accountability and public confidence in government institutions. Those facing charges, he added, would have the opportunity to answer the allegations through due process.
Go’s surrender does not settle the charges against him. The cases remain subject to judicial proceedings, where the prosecution must establish the allegations and the accused is entitled to due process.
