Three students said they were not surprised by verdict against Villagomez, his brother-in-law, former Commerce Secretary James A. Santos, and sister, Joaquina V. Santos.
The students said the verdict should send a strong message to government officials that they will be held accountable for their illegal activities.
Other students said the verdict “will only hurt the family.”
But they also noted that there was “strong evidence” against the accused.
“He should have resigned earlier because he knew he was facing a very great controversy,” a student said, referring to Villagomez.
Associated Students in NMC President Ivan Mereb said he was saddened by the outcome of Villagomez’s case, but “I believe in the legal system.”
Mary Sablan, a sophomore student, said Villagomez, should have not done the things that he was charged with.
“The community should come first,” she said.
A senior student said: “Our government is corrupted.”
Jasmine Camacho, a freshmen student, said Villagomez “should be put in prison.”
“Even if he is related to our family, he did something wrong so he should faced the consequences,” Camacho added.
Other students said Villagomez deserves a prison sentence and hope his case will be a lesson to other government officials.
