MANILA, Philippines — Former Maguindanao governor Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan is facing charges for graft and malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents in connection with the provincial government’s “ghost” purchases of palay and corn seeds as well as fertilizers in 2009.

Seven other former provincial government officials – agriculturist Moziback Guiabel, accountant John Estelito Dollosa Jr., treasurer Osmena Bandila, general services officer Kasan Macapendeg, administrator Norie Unas, budget officer Datu Ali Apbi Al Haj and provincial engineer Landap Guinaid – were named respondents in the cases filed by the Office of the Ombudmsan.

The cases are lodged before the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division.

Graft probers said there was no purchase of the said items, adding that the respondents made it appear that Tamoni Enterprises, from which they were supposedly procured, was paid P98.2 million.

Except for Ampatuan, the former provincial government officials face similar charges for another ghost transaction worth P49.9 million in September 2008.

Government prosecutors said former Commission on Audit chairperson Ma. Gracia Pulido-Tan would be presented as among the witnesses.