2 former Bukidnon town execs indicted for graft for increasing worker’s salary

MANILA, Philippines - A former municipal mayor in Bukidnon and two others are facing graft charges for illegally increasing an employee’s salary.

The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the filing of charges against former mayor Rogelio Quiño, budget officer Cecilia Quiño-Rejas and employee Antonio Quiño Jr., all of Manolo Fortich town. 

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said yesterday that graft investigators found probable cause to charge the respondents for raising the salary grade of Antonio, a former municipal shop foreman.

Investigation showed that from 2009 to 2012, Quiño and Rejas raised Antonio’s salary grade from 11 to 15 and then to 18, which violated not only local ordinances but also Republic Act 6758 or the Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989. 

Reports said Quiño and Rejas approved and authorized the increase of Antonio’s daily wage rate from P765.13 to P1,157.

The ombudsman said these acts caused damage and prejudice to the government.

Morales said the increases were without basis and violated the rules on compensation and position as provided under RA 6758.