Graft charges filed vs Palawan vice governor

MANILA, Philippines - The vice governor of Palawan and five other provincial government officials are now facing graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly falsifying official hotel receipts which resulted in fraudulent reimbursements amounting to some P200,000. 

Charged for alleged violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, grave misconduct, dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, were Palawan Vice Gov. David Ponce de Leon; his executive assistant Adonis Grande; provincial treasurer Teofilo Palanca, Jr.; provincial accountant Orlando Colobong; provincial budget officer Luis Marcaida II; and Anita Salas of the accounting office.

In an 11-page complaint filed by Palawan residents Datu Abdelwin Sangkula, Engineer Ammenual Feliciano and Job Lagrada, the respondents were accused of defrauding the Palawan government by reimbursing amounts using falsified official receipts of the Legend Hotels International Corp., and the Badjao Sea Front restaurant located in Puerto Princesa back in 2002.

Citing Commission on Audit (COA) findings, the complainants said De Leon reimbursed P205,000 supposedly for meal and snacks worth P343.11 and P12,975.50 for meal and snacks worth only P2,975.50.   – Michael Punongbayan