RIPS, DOF file administrative, criminal raps vs BOC official

MANILA, Philippines - The Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) of the Department of Finance (DOF) has filed criminal and administrative charges against a Bureau of Customs (BOC) official.

The DOF unit filed with the Office of the Ombudsman charges against Lowel Lomuljo Medija, a collector of the BOC earning an annual gross income of roughly P500,000.

Medija is based in Mindanao and works as Collector IV at the BOC’s Mindanao Container Terminal Phividec, Tacoloan, Misamis Oriental.

Based on the evidence obtained by RIPS, Medija had steadily acquired ample wealth consisting of prime properties in Davao City which are two newly constructed mansions in South Royal Pines-Matina, a house and lot in Talomo Bucana Moonland Subdivision, a residential lot in Toril Eden Mountain Haven Subdivision and a 5.5-hectare agricultural land, six poultry buildings, a piggery and a two-storey mansion with a swimming pool.

In addition, Medija also owns 16 vehicles consisting of Ford Explorer Wagon, Toyota Fortuner Wagon, Toyota Land Cruiser, Honda Civic Sedan, Nissan Silvia Sedan, Honda Hatchback Sedan, Mazda Tribute 2, as well as Isuzu cargo trucks and utility vans, and a Honda motorcycle in his extensive collection.

The DOF unit said Medija purportedly violated Section 8 of R.A. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for his unsubstantiated accumulation of wealth, and a clear contravention of Section 8(a) of R.A. 6713 and Section 7 of R.A. 3019 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees for failing to properly disclose a true and factual statement of his assets.

These properties which comprise unexplained wealth warrant forfeiture proceedings.

Medija is likewise liable for alleged violations of Articles 171 and 183 or Perjury and Falsification of the Revised Penal Code for making incorrect and untruthful declarations in his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN) regarding his business interests, real properties and other questionable acquisitions.

“If proven guilty after further investigation, he could be dismissed and perpetually removed from government service,” Medija said.