3 local treasurers face graft raps, dismissal

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman yesterday ordered the filing of charges and the dismissal from the service of three municipal and barangay treasurers for misusing public funds.

San Luis, Aurora municipal treasurer Celia Martinez was ordered charged for malversation of public funds based on a 2005 Commission on Audit report.

The Office of the Ombudsman said Martinez incurred a cash shortage amounting to P2,205,632.48 in 2005 which she failed to account for.

The anti-graft agency also ordered the filing of charges of malversation of public funds against Amelita Cardon, treasurer of Barangay Dalayap in Sta. Maria, Pangasinan.

Records show that Cardon incurred a cash shortage of P405,975.81 when her books of accounts were studied and audited.

In her affidavit, Cardon admitted that she misappropriated the missing funds, prompting the graft probers to recommend her indictment because “such an admission must be given weight and credence.”

The Office of the Ombudsman, meanwhile, dismissed from the service Marites Esquijo, treasurer of Barangay Charito in Bayugan, Agusan del Sur, also because of unaccounted funds amounting to P15,699.30 at the time the barangay’s books were examined on July 21, 2005.

Records of the investigation show that Esquijo was directed to answer the administrative charges against her but she did not comply with the directive.

Esquijo was found guilty of the administrative offenses of dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and was meted the penalty of dismissal and other accessory punishments.