Ombudsman sacks Customs official for ill-gotten wealth

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed from government service the acting chief of the Assessment Division of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Cagayan de Oro City for grave misconduct and dishonesty.

The Ombudsman, in a 23-page decision, said it found that Eduardo Guinea Wong acquired various real properties and substantial bank deposits despite his fixed compensation income and lack of proof of his wife’s income.

The decision noted that Wong’s gross monthly salary was P30,665, which would still be subject to regular salary deductions and cost of living expenses.

The Ombudsman said Wong failed to disclose his apartment rental, barbershop, eatery and retail store businesses in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).     

It added that Wong acquired 15 single-detached duplex-type residential properties in Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental being leased to tenants when his monthly salary was just P20,250, while his wife worked as a school teacher.

The principal penalty of dismissal from the service carries with it the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and prohibition from taking civil service examinations.