3 ex-PhlPost execs charged with graft

MANILA, Philippines - Graft charges have been filed against three former officials of the Philippine Postal Corp. (PhlPost) for their involvement in the questionable appointment of a legal and management consultant in 2006, the Office of the Ombudsman announced yesterday.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales approved the filing of criminal cases against former postmaster general Hector Ronald Villanueva, chief executive staff Juliana Dimalanta, and former assistant executive secretary Antonio Corrado for violating Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, in connection with the illegal appointment of Corrado as a legal and management consultant.  

In addition, Corrado faces three counts of violating Section 7(b) (2) of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. 

The ombudsman said that from 2006 to 2010, Corrado simultaneously held the positions of legal and management consultant to the Office of the Postmaster General and assistant executive secretary in the Office of the President, and received from PhlPost allowances, honoraria and salaries totaling P1 million.

In approving the finding of probable cause, Morales cited that under Section 13 Article VII of the Constitution, “the President, Vice President, the Members of the Cabinet, and their deputies or assistants shall not, unless otherwise provided in this Constitution, hold any other office or employment during their tenure,” noting that the “disqualification is absolute.” 

In addition, the Administrative Code of 1987 provides that “no appointive official shall hold any other office or employment in the government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries.”

The ombudsman also cited that the Office of the President had not issued any order authorizing Corrado’s detail at PhlPost. 

She noted that the engagement of Corrado’s services did not comply with the requirements under Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Meanwhile, accountant Gloria Miranda, accounting department manager Marietta Bertillo, financial analyst Veneracion Tuason, accountant Eden Gallevo, financial analyst Evelyn Bañares and acting chief accountant Olivia Panganiban, all of PhlPost, were found guilty of simple neglect of duty for failing to notice and object to Corrado’s questionable claims for reimbursement expenses and not calling the attention of higher officials. They were suspended for three months without pay.