CEBU, Philippines – A retired employee of the Department of Public Works and Highways was charged with falsification of public documents before the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City for tampering with a trip ticket nine years ago.
The Office of the Ombudsman Visayas filed the case yesterday against Antonio Cimafranca, a retired auto equipment inspector of the DPWH-7, after finding probable cause for violation of Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code.
Cimafranca, who retired in 2005, was previously found guilty of the administrative case resolved by the DPWH and was meted the penalty of reprimand, a one-week suspension and a warning that the commission of the same offense will be dealt with more severely.
Cimafranca’s previous conviction was one of the considerations of the anti-graft office in finding probable cause to indict him of the criminal case for falsification of public documents because of his failure to submit his counter-affidavit.
Then DPWH-7 regional director Juanito Abergas filed the complaint against Cimafranca based on the recommendation of the Commission on Audit after he was found altering an approved trip ticket.
Cimafranca allegedly tampered on August 4, 2000 a trip ticket issued to another vehicle and driver of DPWH. In an investigation previously conducted by DPWH, he reportedly admitted having altered the trip ticket but claimed it was done for public service.
Cimafranca claimed that he was directed by then assistant regional equipment engineer Roberto Yen to fetch Engr. Edgar Roluna from the airport. Since it was already after office hours and he was in a hurry, he was allegedly constrained to use an approved trip ticket for another vehicle.
The anti-graft office recommended P12,000 for Cimafranca’s temporary liberty. – Fred P. Languido/BRP (THE FREEMAN)