Former Sarangani governor, 5 others charged over bogus financial aid09 February 2012
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of graft charges against former Governor Miguel Escobar of Sarangani province and several others stemming from the grant of a 'financial assistance' worth P450,000 in 2002.
In an Information lodged before the Sandiganbayan, charged with violation of Section 3(e) of the R.A. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) were former governor Escobar, Juanito Purisima, Board Member; Amelia Carmela Zoleta, Executive Assistant to the Vice Governor; Suzette Clerigo, Accountant IV, and Alexis Dela Cruz, Management Analyst, all of the provincial government of Sarangani.
Private respondent Velsie Banzon, treasurer of Malapatan Fishermen's Group in Poblacion Malapatan, was also included in the charge sheet.
The Information stated the respondents caused the disbursement of the amount P450,000 through a Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) check dated 29 May 2002 to Banzon as payee.
It added that they made it appear that financial assistance was requested and given to the fishermen's group, and that evidence pointed to Escobar as the one who approved the fictitious request and even certified "in the disbursement voucher that the cash advance was necessary, lawful and incurred under his direct supervision."
The Information further alleged that Clerigo certified as to the "completeness and propriety of the supporting documents despite no-compliance with Commission on Audit (COA) Circular No. 96-003 providing for the documentary requirements in disbursements for financial assistance, when in truth and in fact, neither was there a request for financial assistance nor was there financial assistance received by the Malapatan Fishermen's Group after the check was encashed, as herein accused, misappropriate and convert to their personal and benefit the said amount, thereby causing undue injury to the government."
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