2 former treasurers guilty of dishonesty

CEBU, Philippines - Two former barangay treasurers were found guilty of dishonesty by the Visayas Ombudsman for missing government funds.

But since Ma.Carissa Polotan, former treasurer of Barangay Zapatera in Cebu City, and Ma. Angelie Hamoy, former barangay treasurer of West Poblacion, Naga City, are no longer in public service, their penalty of dismissal from service is deemed implemented according to graft investigation and prosecution officer Pio Dargantes.

“With the separation of respondent from the public service, the aforementioned penalty is hereby deemed as implemented. Let copies of this decision be furnished to the regional offices of the Civil Service Commission, the Commission on Elections and the Commission on Audit, all of Region 7, for information,” the decisions reads.

In the complaint filed by the Commission on Audit, State Auditor II Francisca Jumao-as alleged that Polotan had cash shortage of P1,273,580.64.

The missing funds were discovered after an examination was conducted sometime in March 2009 covering the period of January 1, 2007 to March 24, 2009.

Polotan failed to produce and account the said amount and also failed to submit her counter-affidavit.

This prompted Dargantes to resolve the complaint based on the allegation of the complainant.

“Wherefore, premises considered finding substantial evidence that the

administrative infraction of dishonesty has been committed by respondent and is hereby meted the penalty of dismissal from the service with the accessory penalties of cancellation of civil service eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits and disqualification form  re-employment in the government service,” the decision reads.

In the case of Hamoy, she and the barangay captain, Pamela Sasana, were accused by Flora Misa and Rolando Villarico, then barangay councilors, of an anomalous disbursement of funds in October 14, 2005.

However, Sasana claimed that her signature seen in the said documents were forged and requested the anti-graft office to investigate Hamoy.

The anti-graft office referred the matter to COA. Upon investigation, COA found out the shortage of P431,626.60.

On June 22, 2007, respondent was directed to submit her counter-affidavit but failed prompting Dargantes to resolve the matter.

“With the allegations in the complaint uncontroverted, substantial evidence is established that respondent has committed the administrative infraction of dishonesty by her act of issuing the 34 checks without supporting vouchers and by forging the signature of Sasan,” the decision reads.  (FREEMAN)