Ex-Cebu DAR exec reprimanded over unliquidated cash advance

CEBU, Philippines - A former provincial agrarian reform officer in Cebu was reprimanded by the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas after he was found guilty of violating a “reasonable office rules and regulations” by failing to liquidate the cash advances granted to him.

Graft investigator Mona Chica Gillamac also issued a stern warning against Virgilio Alcomendras that a repetition of the same offense in the future will be strongly dealt with.

The anti-graft office has ordered the regional director of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Zamboanga del Norte where Alcomendras is currently assigned to implement the penalty and submit a compliance report.

Alcomendras was found guilty of violating an office rules and regulation when he failed to liquidate his cash advances within the 30 days period under the Commission on Audit circulars.

“It is very clear from the Commission on Audit (COA) Report that respondent was habitually late in liquidating his cash advances. His persistent delay in fulfilling his obligation clearly violated the mandate under COA Circulars 96-004 and 97-002 that constitutes violation of reasonable office rules and regulations,” the decision reads.

The Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Office (PACPO) of the Office of the Ombudsman earlier filed a complaint for dishonesty against Alcomendras.

The complaint was based on the audit report made by State Auditor Sonia Lucenara saying Alcomendras has not liquidated his cash advance in 2005 amounting to P127,678.50.

A demand letter was made by COA for Alcomendras to liquidate the amount within 30 days but the latter allegedly failed. On July 6, 2006 Alcomendras sent a letter with supporting documents informing PACPO that he had already liquidated a total amount of P78,858 and have a balance of P48,820.50.

The amount did not match with that of the report of COA, which states that he still has P94,400.50 unliquidated cash advance.

Alcomendras admitted having made cash advances amounting to P127,678.50 but denied he has a remaining unliquidated amount of P94,400.50.

Alcomendras presented proofs that the amount was used for his official travel and not for his personal gain. The anti-graft office was convinced that the money was used for official travel, thus, a criminal complaint for dishonesty was dismissed.

However, the Ombudsman ruled that Alcomendras is still liable for violating the office rules and regulations by failing to immediately submit his liquidation. — (FREEMAN)