Lawmaker charged for fund misuse

Manila, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman yesterday ordered the filing of 24 counts of graft and malversation of public funds against the incumbent first district congressman of North Cotabato for allegedly anomalous fuel purchases amounting to P18.6 million in 2008.

Acting Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro said Rep. Jesus Sacdalan, who was governor at the time the alleged irregularities were committed, face trial before the Sandiganbayan for 12 counts of malversation of public funds and another 12 counts of graft.

Sacdalan allegedly approved the release of the provincial government’s calamity funds in 2008 but the money was allegedly used to purchase fuel from gas stations in Midsayap town and Kidapawan City for the rehabilitation of the San Vicente-Bulcanon and Nicaan-Banisilan roads in Makilala and Alamada towns, respectively.

Complainant Milagros Casis alleged that the amount released was far and beyond what was necessary to finish the projects indicated in the 2008 “program of work for road projects” of the province.

Then the district engineer, Casis alleged that Sacdalan used his authority as governor when he ordered her to falsify the fund release.

Casis alleged that Sacdalan repeatedly ordered her to revise the “program of work” to hide irregularities in the fuel purchases.

In one transaction on May 26, 2008, it was allegedly made to appear that 134,438.72 liters of fuel was purchased from the Midsayap gas station, which actually was capable of storing only 16,000 liters of fuel.

Casis alleged that when she refused, Sacdalan transferred her to another post and successfully managed to direct her replacement to finish the anomalous liquidation of funds.