Ombudsman Dismisses ARMM Gov. Ampatuan

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the dismissal from government service of Zaldy Ampatuan, in his capacity as then Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Governor Ampatuan was found administratively liable for Serious Dishonesty and Grave Misconduct in connection with his willful failure to disclose his assets in his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) from 2000 to 2009.

In case the penalty of dismissal can no longer be executed, the Ombudsman directed the imposition of the alternative penalty of fine equivalent to his salary for one year, in addition to the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and bar from taking civil service examinations.

Based on the Ombudsman’s lifestyle check investigation, it was established that Ampatuan failed to disclose 14 real estate properties worth P12,336,416.90 located in Davao, Cotobato and Makati cities. Ampatuan also failed to declare his ownership of 15 vehicles amounting to P25,476,116.00 and 26 firearms worth P5,914,000.00.

Aside from the non-disclosure of assets in his SALNs, the aggregate amount of his properties was established to be manifestly and grossly disproportionate to his lawful and legitimate income during his eight-year incumbency.

The Decision stated that “respondent not only failed to disclose all his and his wife’s assets but he also failed to provide any explanation as to how he and/or his wife acquired these assets.” It added that “an honest public servant will have no difficulty in gathering, collating and presenting evidence that will prove his credibility, but a dishonest one will only provide shallow excuses in his explanations.”

“Respondent’s repeated failure to make truthful statements in all his SALNs not only transgressed established rules but is also an indicia of his willful intent” to circumvent the law, the Decision ruled.

Section 8(a) of R.A. No. 6713 mandates public officials and employees to accomplish and submit declarations under oath of their assets, liabilities, net worth and financial and business interests while Sections 7 and 8 of R.A. No. 3019 require all public officers and employees to accomplish and submit a true, detailed and sworn statement of their assets and liabilities.

Source: www.ombudsman.gov.ph