Talisay revenue officer indicted for malversation

CEBU, Philippines - A local treasury officer of Talisay City was indicted for malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents.

The Office of the Ombudsman Visayas filed the criminal case before the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City against Rey Lumapas. The anti-graft body found probable cause to charge Lumapas of the crime wherein he needs to pay P24,000 bail for his temporary liberty.

The case stemmed from the alleged falsification of Lumapas of the official receipt to pocket the P250 professional tax fee of one Dominga Geraldez.

Based on the preliminary investigation conducted by graft investigator Cynthia Sibi, Lumapas allegedly falsified the duplicate copy of the receipt to make it appear that he only received P10 from Geraldez.

It was also found out during investigation that the duplicate copy of the official receipt supposedly issued to Geraldez was actually the duplicate copy of the receipt issued to another tax payer.

According to the Ombudsman, Lumapas’ actuation had caused damage and prejudice to the government. (FREEMAN)