Criminal case vs OWWA-7 director recommended

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has recommended the filing of a criminal case against an official of the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration-7 before the court.

 Graft investigation and prosecution officer I Carmelle Baybay-Suson held Director II Wilfreda Misterio of OWWA for trial for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, otherwise known as Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

 “In view of the foregoing, the Office finds probable cause to indict respondent for violation of Section 3 (e) of RA 3019 for using OWWA vehicle in fetching her from her house to office on March 7, 2012, March 13, 2013, and May 15, 2012, for letting the office janitress do household chores in her house during office hours on March 13, 2013, and for pulling out office supplies during weekends for her personal use,” read the resolution.

 The Office of the Ombudsman earlier found Misterio guilty of an administrative case for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service for same cause of action.

 Suson meted Misterio a suspension of nine months from the service without pay.

 Lawyer Maria Corazon Naraja, spokesperson of the Office of the Ombudsman, however, told the media that Misterio can still file a motion for reconsideration upon receipt of the decision and resolution.

In his complaint, lawyer Jeffrey Ravelo of the Field Investigation Office of the Office of the Ombudsman, said that their office received a letter complaint from Romyl Cabillo, an employee of OWWA-7.

 Cabillo alleged that Misterio committed several irregularities like having OWWA’s office driver to fetch her from her residence and bring her to the office and vice-versa; using a government-issued vehicle even if she was claiming her monthly Representation and Transportation Allowance (RATA); and asking OWWA’s janitress do household chores in her house.

Cabillo also alleged that Misterio utilized office resources and supplies for her personal use.

 Misterio denied the allegations filed against her. She alleged since there was no vehicle specifically assigned to her, there were times that she would use OWWA’s vehicle for official purpose and did not claim her transportation allowance for a particular travel.

 She, likewise, denied letting the office janitress do household chores in her house during office hours and for pulling out office supplies for her personal use.

 Suson ruled in favor of the complainant and said there was sufficient ground to file a criminal case before the court against Misterio. (FREEMAN)