Ombudsman raps ex-barangay official with malversation

CEBU, Philippines - A former barangay treasurer in Naga City was indicted for malversation of public funds.

The Office of the Ombudsman Visayas has elevated before the court the criminal complaint against Vicente Bonghanoy, former treasurer of Barangay Cabungahan, Naga City, after he failed to explain the P224,320 cash shortage in the barangay.

Graft investigation and prosecution officer II Pio Dargantes found probable cause indict Bonghanoy for violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act as well as malversation of public funds because of his failure to submit counter-affidavit and explain the cash shortage.

The Ombudsman-Visayas Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Office earlier filed a complaint for malversation of public funds against Bonghanoy.

The complaint was based on the Commission on Audit report that found the cash shortage during an audit conducted in December 2005.

State Auditor III Annabelle Arcadia Tantoy discovered a P224,320 shortage of the barangay fund. Among the findings state that P223,680 were issued checks without any supporting disbursement vouchers in a  violation of Section 42 of the COA Circular, Section 40 of the New Government Accounting System (NGAS), Volume I and the Section 06.01 of the barangay accounting manual.

The checks were signed by then Barangay Captain Epifanio Gentica.

The state auditor also found that the accused incurred P196,806.01 unliquidated cash advance in August 2006.

Sometime in February 2007, the accused allegedly admitted to the state auditor that he committed “fraudulent acts” in connection with the numerous issuances of checks without supporting vouchers.

State auditors found out that the accused was elected councilman in October 2007.  (FREEMAN)