Mary Ann Maslog Convicted in P24-Million Textbook Scam: Justice Finally Served After Decades of Deception

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In a landmark decision, the Sandiganbayan has convicted Mary Ann Maslog, a key figure in the infamous 1998 textbook procurement scandal, of graft. Maslog was sentenced to ten years in prison for her role in orchestrating a scheme that defrauded the government of ₱24 million—a case that has haunted the Philippine education system for over two decades.

This long-awaited conviction not only closes one of the country's most notorious graft cases but also exposes the elaborate methods Maslog employed to evade justice for years, including fleeing the country, assuming false identities, and even faking her own death.

The 1998 Textbook Scam: A Financial and Educational Blow

The scandal erupted in 1998 when a government contract for textbooks and supplementary materials was awarded to Esteem Enterprises, represented by Maslog. Investigations revealed that the Sub-Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) used to approve the contract were fraudulent. This fraudulent transaction, executed in collaboration with former Department of Education (DepEd) officials Emilia de la Aranas and Ernesto Guiang, not only resulted in massive financial losses but also left Filipino students with substandard educational materials.

Maslog’s co-conspirators, Aranas and Guiang, were convicted in 2020, each receiving sentences of up to ten years. However, Maslog’s case was dismissed at the time due to a forged death certificate submitted to the court—a deception that added another layer to her elaborate attempts at escaping accountability.

A Fugitive’s Web of Deception

Mary Ann Maslog’s evasion of justice is as dramatic as it is troubling. After fleeing to the United States, she operated under multiple aliases, including "Mary Ann Evans Smith" and "Mary Ann Tupa Maslog-Smith." Her criminal activities extended beyond Philippine borders; in 2010, she was convicted in the U.S. for orchestrating a fraudulent scheme targeting immigrants seeking student visas, earning her a six-year prison sentence.

Upon her release, Maslog returned to the Philippines under a new alias, "Dr. Jesica Sese Francisco," and resumed fraudulent activities, including posing as a supplier of water systems and medical supplies in the Bangsamoro region. In 2019, her lawyers presented a death certificate to the Sandiganbayan, leading to the dismissal of her graft case. This brazen act of deceit further delayed justice until her arrest in September 2024.

The Turning Point: Arrest and Trial

Maslog’s re-arrest was the result of meticulous efforts by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). She was apprehended in September 2024, and fingerprint analysis confirmed her true identity. Her repeated petitions for bail were denied by the Sandiganbayan due to her history of evasion and use of multiple aliases.

During the trial, the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence, including the fraudulent documents that facilitated the textbook procurement and testimonies from witnesses involved in the investigation. On January 28, 2025, the Sandiganbayan found Maslog guilty, putting an end to her decades-long evasion of accountability.

Broader Implications: Corruption in Education

The 1998 textbook scam is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of public procurement processes, especially in sectors as critical as education. The misallocation of funds not only drained government resources but also deprived Filipino students of quality learning materials—highlighting the far-reaching consequences of corruption.

Maslog’s conviction sends a strong message that justice, though delayed, can still be achieved. It underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and vigilance in government transactions to prevent similar scandals in the future.

Conclusion: Justice Served, Lessons Learned

The case of Mary Ann Maslog is a testament to the resilience of the Philippine justice system. Despite the challenges posed by her extensive efforts to avoid prosecution, authorities succeeded in bringing her to justice. Her conviction, alongside those of her co-conspirators, closes a dark chapter in the country’s history of corruption.

As the education sector rebuilds from past failures, the government must ensure stricter oversight and reforms to safeguard public funds and protect the interests of Filipino students. The fight against corruption is far from over, but the resolution of this case serves as a powerful reminder that no one is above the law.

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