Garcia, 7 others told to answer graft raps

CEBU, Philippines - Director Mary Antonette Yalao directed Garcia, provincial treasurer Roy Salubre, former provincial assessor Anthony Sususco, Naga City assessor Alfredo Yong, Naga treasurer Anna Maria Gabilan, Bureau of Internal Revenue regional director Jose Tan, Revenue District Officer Rogelio Balaga and provincial Register of Deeds chief Manolo Rubi to submit their affidavits and other controverting evidence within 10 days upon receipt of the order.

The anti-graft office reminded the respondents that motion to dismiss shall not be entertained unless it is anchored on the ground of “lack of jurisdiction.”

The Ombudsman said that respondents’ failure to submit their counter-affidavit within the period given shall be considered a “waiver of their right” to answer the charges.

Landowners Leopolda Cecilio and Rodolfo Morelos earlier accused the respondents of violation of the Republic Act 3019 otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for alleged illegal exaction and falsification of public document.

The respondents were likewise accused of violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, grave misconduct and grave abuse of authority.

The complainants said there was over assessment of their 64-hectare property in Uling, Naga City.

The officials were accused of conniving to falsify a notice of levy for non-payment of taxes. The property was forfeited in favor of the government for their alleged failure to pay the taxes since 1980 amounting to P9 million in 2008.

The complainants claimed that their tax obligation would only be P123,415 for the period covering 2002 to 2007 based on their computation. The complaint was earlier dismissed by the anti-graft office but the complainants filed a motion for reconsideration which was granted by graft investigator Luz Awayan.— (FREEMAN)