Ombudsman orders dismissal of South Cotabato town treasurer

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman yesterday ordered the dismissal of a municipal treasurer in South Cotabato for falsification of public documents and failure to account for over P700,000 in public funds.

The ombudsman said Samuel Sunico of Tupi town committed misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the interest of government service.

A report of the Commission on Audit showed that Sunico failed to liquidate P717,812.79 from Nov. 27, 2007 to June 17, 2008.

Sunico also falsified a government-issued receipt by making it appear in the duplicate and triplicate copies that a tax of P30 was paid by Dole Philippines Inc. when the original copy shows that the total amount paid was P344,379.77.

The ombudsman also penalized  Sunico with cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification for re-employment in government service.