Ex-barangay treasurer indicted for malversation of public funds

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas ordered the filing of a criminal case against a former barangay treasurer in the City of Naga over an alleged irregular disbursement of funds amounting to more than P170,000.

The anti-graft office also found Dimpna Bacalso guilty of dishonesty and was meted the penalty of dismissal from service. The dismissal however is already moot and academic since Bacalso is no longer barangay treasurer of Cogon since 2008.

The Commission on Audit filed the complaint against Bacalso before the Ombudsman after she allegedly embezzled P173,939.84 of public funds in 2005.

State auditor Anabelle Tantoy found the “irregular disbursement” of barangay funds. Bacalso issued nine checks and have it cashed between April and September 2005 without the required vouchers and other supporting documents such as the budgetary appropriations from the barangay council.

Bacalso was ordered by COA to refund the amount but failed prompting the agency to file the complaint before the Ombudsman. The anti-graft office also directed her to submit counter-affidavit but she likewise failed.

“The disappearance of public funds is prima facie evidence to indict respondent for malversation of public funds,” the Ombudsman resolution reads. — (FREEMAN)