DENR probes bribe try by land applicant

Manila, Philippines - Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje ordered yesterday an investigation of a field employee reportedly caught by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) receiving P50,000 from a land applicant at a restaurant in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Paje directed Central Luzon regional executive director Ricardo Calderon to investigate the complaint against Ruben Ronquillo, 53, a utility worker of DENR Region 3 assigned at the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Olongapo City.

In a report reaching Paje’s office, Ronquillo was allegedly caught red-handed receiving P50,000 from Jun-Jun Librado, who is said to have a land case pending at the regional office’s legal division, last July 20.

“I have also ordered our legal team from the central office to look deeper into the case to identify all others who could also be involved in the nefarious transaction so that proper administrative and criminal charges can be instituted,” he said.

Paje reiterated his warning to all DENR officials and employees against making deals with applicants in exchange for expeditious processing of their papers or any other favorable services for a fee.

“This concept of ‘assistance for a fee’ is a gross violation of the DENR’s ethical standards and therefore, I consider it as irregular. Any official or employee caught involved in any irregular transaction will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

Paje also cautioned the public against bribing DENR employees as they shall also be held liable for graft and corruption.

According to Paje, an applicant for a free patent, residential patent and all other land applications is required to pay only a minimal application fee of P50. He also stressed that the payment for such fee shall only be made after all the documentary requirements have been submitted.

He added that the DENR is currently undertaking administrative reforms in its land titling program to fast-track the disposition of public alienable and disposable lands.