Former PSL officials face malversation raps

MANILA, Philippines — Stressing its advocacy on good governance, the Philippine Superliga filed a qualified theft complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation against two former top officials for alleged irregular and unauthorized disbursements of company funds.

The PSL board sued former president Ramon Suzara and director for finance Donaldo Caringal for “unauthorized release of funds” in 2016, which it said was discovered after a comprehensive audit by an independent auditor. The league declined to reveal the amount in question but said it was “enormous” and amounted to millions.

“Based on the result of the audit, Messrs. Ramon Suzara and Donaldo Caringal, being then both signatories of PSL bank accounts, allowed for the release and use of company funds for unauthorized purposes which include among others, President’s discretionary funds, travel expenses/allowance, cash advance and telephone reimbursement,” the board said in a statement.

PSL vice president Ian Laurel, league director for legal affairs Leng Salcedo, and legal counsel Miguel Llantino filed the complaint on behalf of the board.

“The filing of the complaint with the NBI is in line with PSL’s good governance advocacy in all aspects of its operation and to hold people, no matter their position in the organization, accountable for their action,” the league said.

Laurel explained the PSL was forced to seek legal action after Suzara and Caringal repeatedly ignored its invitation to attend meetings and give their side on the allegations. Suzara and Caringal last showed up in their January meeting and eventually quit their respective posts later on.

“We tried really to exhaust all efforts by giving them notices to attend board meetings especially when it came to those financial aspect and audit report. But sad to say, they didn’t attend, they didn’t cooperate so we didn’t hear their side,” he said.

“We can’t say we didn’t give them a chance to solve it internally. Now, we’re left with no choice but seek legal help from the NBI for these irregularities that we’ve uncovered,” he added.

In a statement, Suzara insisted he did nothing wrong and expressed readiness to face the charges and clear his name.

“I will answer the complaint in the proper forum. I welcome any investigation or inquiry regarding the malicious accusations thrown against me. Everything I did as president of PSL was above board, transparent, properly recorded and with full knowledge of the board,” Suzara said. 

He maintained he stepped down not because of any wrongdoing. 

“To correct any misconception, I resigned as president of PSL because the ideals which we all fought for have been replaced by self-serving interest of certain personalities, “ he said.