DENR exec charged for P.8-M cash advances

MANILA, Philippines - A Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) official was charged yesterday for failing to liquidate P874,000 in cash advances.

Director III Juan Raña is facing indictment for violating Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code.

Ombudsman investigators said that on various dates in January 2005, Raña received cash advances to cover the expense of traveling to China, the takeover of the Diwalwal gold rush area and the recovery of cut lumber.

Despite a demand from the Commission on Audit to liquidate the funds, Raña failed to do so.

The administrative case lodged against him was dismissed in view of a similar complaint filed before the Civil Service Commission.