CTU professor charged for falsifying documents

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has indicted an associate professor of the Cebu Technological University for allegedly falsifying her daily time records and travel itineraries.

Graft investigation and prosecution officer Jess Vincent dela Pena elevated the cases of estafa thru falsification of a public document (two counts) against Nena Calunsag after she failed to file counter-affidavit. The case was filed before the trial court.

“Respondent’s failure to submit a counter-affidavit to refute the allegations against her despite due notice is an indicium of flight or guilt. An innocent person would readily take an early opportunity to clear her name of any false accusation. Here, respondent took such opportunity for granted,” the resolution read.

Dela Pena recommended her bail at P36,000 for the two cases.

The complainant was filed by the Field Investigation Office represented by GIPO 1 Michael Paul Israel against Cynthia Sy, director of the General Education and Professional Subjects Area; Panfilo Ciriaco, former dean of the College of Industrial Technology and Engineering; and Calunsag, all from CTU main campus, M.J. Cuenco Ave., Cebu City.

Israel said their office acted on the anonymous complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman alleging that Calunsag falsified her DTR from July 20-23, 26-29 and August 2-6, 9-13, 16-20 and 23-27 in 2004, stating overtime work and travel expenses which was verified by Sy and Ciriaco.

As result, the complainant said Calunsag was able to get hold of P13,100 representing her overtime pay and obtained the reimbursement of her travel expenses in the sum of P50,462 with the alleged use of falsified itineraries of travel and certificate of travel completed. Calunsag claimed she attended TESDA Skills Competition Activities in Taguig, Metro Manila.

The complainant added that it was impossible for Calunsag to render overtime work in school-actual teaching service in the CITE Evening Program and to attend a seminar during the same dates as reflected in her DTR.

Based on the records, Calunsag did not render overtime work.

In their respective counter-affidavits, Ciriaco and Sy denied the charges.

They said they signed Calunsag’s DTR without criminal intent and in good faith in compliance with the Memorandum of SUC President III, Dr. Jose Sal Tan.

Tan earlier issued a memorandum directing Calunsag to travel to Taguig to train and coach the selected students to compete in the ladies dressmaking trade category at 5th ASEAN Skills Competition.

Dela Pena then ruled to dismiss the complaint against Ciriaco and Sy. He said it was established that the two did not conspire with respondent in falsifying her DTR.

He also said Calunsag failed to present any evidence that she really traveled to Manila. –(FREEMAN)