Suspension of 4 LBP execs in Batangas affirmed

MANILA, Philippines - Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has affirmed the anti-graft agency’s decision to suspend four officials of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) in Batangas and dismiss from the service one of its contractual employees for allegedly misusing government funds eight years ago.

Ramon Saldonido, former officer-in-charge branch manager of the government-owned financial institution, and Francisco Amponin, also a branch manager, were suspended for six months without pay.

George Molano, a property and supply officer, and Ma. Raissa de Castro, an accounting clerk, were suspended for one year also without pay, while Dennis Rosal, a contractual employee, was dismissed from the service.

The administrative case against them stemmed from their alleged involvement in the misuse of government funds amounting to P190,580.45 from January to August 2004.

The Commission on Audit earlier recommended that the respondents be administratively charged after it discovered that the official receipts attached to the bank’s disbursement orders for the purchase of stationaries and other office supplies and hardware were altered because items not actually bought were added to increase the reimbursable amount.

The respondents appealed the ruling, but the Ombudsman said they failed to raise a “compellingly persuasive argument” that would justify a reconsideration of its decision.

The Ombudsman, meanwhile, set aside its decision against former LBP branch manager Ma. Loida Macatangay, who was earlier suspended for six months without pay, as she was no longer a public officer when the case was filed in October 2005.