Ombudsman dismisses NEA exec over P1.5 M

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of an official of the National Electrification Agency (NEA) for grave misconduct.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales also directed the filing of a criminal complaint against acting manager for legal services Omar Mayo for allegedly soliciting P1.5 million from the Cotabato Electric Cooperative Inc. (COTELCO) in May 2010.

In a ruling dated Oct. 2, the ombudsman said there is enough evidence to prove that Mayo solicited and accepted money from COTELCO, which is under its supervision.

The amount was allegedly deposited in Mayo’s personal bank account.

In approving Mayo’s indictment for violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, Morales dismissed the respondent’s claim that the money represented the litigation costs in connection with a case involving the cooperative’s franchise.

She cited the liquidation report, check voucher, deposit slip, audit report and an anonymous letter stating that Mayo accepted the money from COTELCO.

The complaints against NEA administrator Edita Bueno, deputy administrator for legal service John Joseph Magtulay, deputy administrator for electric distribution utilities service Edgardo Piamonte and department manager Veronica Cruz were dismissed for lack of merit.