Former PhilPost Execs Charged with Graft

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales approved the filing of graft charges against former Philippine Postal Corporation (PPC) officials, namely: Postmaster General Hector Ronald Villanueva, Chief Executive Staff Juliana Dimalanta, and former Assistant Executive Secretary Antonio Corrado for violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) in connection with the illegal appointment of Corrado as PPC legal/management consultant. In addition, Corrado faces three counts of violation of Section 7(b) (2) of Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).

The Joint Resolution narrates that from 2006 to 2010, Corrado simultaneously held the positions of legal/management consultant to the Office of the Postmaster General and Assistant Executive Secretary in the Office of the President, and received from the PPC allowances, honoraria and salaries in the total amount of P1,050,000.00.

In approving the finding of probable cause, Ombudsman Morales cited that under Section 13 Article VII of the 1987 Constitution, “the President, Vice-President, the Members of the Cabinet, and their deputies or assistants shall not, unless otherwise provided in this Constitution, hold any other office or employment during their tenure,” noting that the “disqualification is absolute.” In addition, the Administrative Code of 1987 provides that “no appointive official shall hold any other office or employment in the Government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries.”

The Joint Resolution also cited that the no office order authorizing Corrado’s detail at the PPC was issued by the Office of the President. Ombudsman Morales also noted that the engagement of Corrado’s services did not comply with the requirements under Republic Act No. 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act).

Meanwhile, Accountant V Gloria Miranda, Accounting Department Manager Marietta Bertillo, Financial Analyst III Veneracion Tuason, Accountant IV Eden Gallevo, Financial Analyst IV Evelyn Bañares, and Acting Chief Accountant Olivia Panganiban, all of PPC, were found guilty of Simple Neglect of Duty for failing to notice and object Corrado’s questionable claims for reimbursement expenses and not calling the attention of management thereon. They were suspended for three months without pay.

Source: www.ombudsman.gov.ph