Ombuds: Suspend two LTO-7 officials

CEBU, Philippines- The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has preventively suspended for six months two Land Transportation Office-7 officials for grave misconduct.

In his February 11, 2015 order, Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Paul Elmer Clemente said LTO-7 Acting Finance Officer Cecile Jinky Estrada and Acting Administrative Officer Aden Belza should be suspended while investigation into the complaint against them is ongoing.

Carmencita Caballes, evaluator of LTO-7’s Manufacturer, Assembler, Importers and Dealers System  section, filed on December 4, 2013 the complaint against Estrada, Belza, and acting Regional Director Arnel Tancinco.

Clemente, though, found insufficient basis to include Tancinco in the investigation.

“As to respondent Tancinco, the evidence of guilt against him – as based on the testimonial account initially adduced by herein complainant per her Complaint-Affidavit and Supplemental-Affidavit- does not appear to be preliminary strong,” read Clemente’s order.

In her complaint, Caballero alleged that Tancinco forced her to raise P5,000 a day from public clients for “personal gain”.

Caballes said that when Tancinco assumed office, she informed him that there were documents filed with MAIDS where money was attached and that she asked him what to do with it.

Tancinco reportedly refused to discuss the matter, prompting her to consult with Belza, who told her to raise P5,000 a day for the acting director. The amount, Caballes said, was allegedly increased to P7,000 a day.

 “That as per advice from the Administrative Officer and the latter told me that the Acting Regional Director inquired as to whether I can accumulate FIVE THOUSAND (P5,000.00) everyday and to submit the same to the finance officer, Cecile Jinky C. Estrada, at 3:30 p.m. for action submission to Acting Regional Director Arnel Tancinco,” Caballes said.

“Preliminary, a reasonably prudent mind would be constrained to believe that there is strong evidence establishing the fact that P274,000.00 was received and accepted by respondents  Estrada and Belza from LTO clients,” said Clemente in deciding to launch a formal investigation.

Tancinco was spared despite Caballes claiming that Tancinco allegedly also followed up with her about the money.

“There were also instances, when it is already 3:00 p.m. and I could not yet deliver the amount of Php5,000.00, he (Tancinco) would call and inquire from me if I have already Php5,000.00 pesos,” Caballes stated in her complaint-affidavit.

Tancinco earlier downplayed the allegation, saying Caballes’ complaint was in retaliation on him transferring her back to Tacloban City.

Caballes, though, was supported by 11 other LTO employees, who questioned Tancinco’s authority as chief of their office and cited other allegations, including alleged favoritism in the promotion of their colleagues.

Assisted by lawyer Isaias Giduquio, those who signed the complaint, included Editha Soco, Bernardo Borromeo, Jenever Magdadaro, Josefina Tambolero, Jeremias Undalok, Melva Vasquez, Erwin Aquinde, Betina Mangubat, Ida Mangubat, and Lydia Lastimoso.

They appealed for the Department of Transportation and Communication for appropriate action because Tancinco allegedly has been harassing them for supporting Caballes.  (FREEMAN)