History institute exec slapped with graft raps

The Office of the Ombudsman said yesterday it found probable cause to indict an employee of the National Historical Institute for allegedly bloating the entries of NHI employees’ salaries and pocketing the excess pay on several occasions in 1998.

Ombudsman Prosecutor Julita Calderon recommended the filing of estafa through falsification of public documents charges against Mario David, a data controller II of the NHI and a resident of 154 Pantranco Compound, Tandang Sora, Quezon City .

Calderon found "enough evidence to warrant the indictment of David for 18 counts of estafa through falsification of public documents," she said in an eight-page resolution.

Records showed that David allegedly abused the trust and confidence of NHI by using knowledge of the intricacies of computers to manipulate the master list of salaries. He later diverted the amounts to his own account from May to November 1998.

"As a result, the government was defrauded of its resources totaling not less than P100,000," Calderon added.

On top of the evidence, Calderon said the culpability of David for falsification and estafa was further strengthened by his letter of admission sent to NHI chairman Samuel Tan.

"The admission bolsters the existence of prima facie evidence for the indictment of David," Calderon added.