Ex-PHLPost execs face graft charges

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has approved the filing of graft charges against three former Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) officials for the alleged illegal appointment of former Assistant Executive Secretary Antonio Corrado as PhilPost's legal/ management consultant.

 

In a statement released Tuesday, the Ombudsman said that from 2006 to 2010, Corrado simultaneously held the positions of PhilPost's legal/ management consultant and Assistant Executive Secretary in the Office of the President.

 

Corrado received PCC allowances, honoraria and salaries amounting to P1,050,000, it added.

 

The Ombudsman said Postmaster General Hector Ronald Villanueva, chief executive staff Juliana Dimalanta, and Corrado violated Section 3(e) of the Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for the illegal appointment.

 

In addition, Corrado also faces three counts of violation of Section 7(b) (2) of RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

 

The Ombudsman said that under Section 13 Article VII of the 1987 Constitution, "the President, Vice-President, the Members of the Cabinet, and their deputies or assistants shall not, unless otherwise provided in this Constitution, hold any other office or employment during their tenure."

 

It also added that under the Administrative Code of 1987, "no appointive official shall hold any other office or employment in the Government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries."

 

In addition, no order was issued by the Office of the President authorizing Corrado's appointment at the PHLPost.

 

"Ombudsman Morales also noted that the engagement of Corrado’s services did not comply with the requirements under Republic Act No. 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act)," it said.

 

Meanwhile, PhilPost's Accountant V Gloria Miranda, Accounting Department Manager Marietta Bertillo, Financial Analyst III Veneracion Tuason, Accountant IV Eden Gallevo, Financial Analyst IV Evelyn Bañares, and Acting Chief Accountant Olivia Panganiban were also found guilty of Simple Neglect of Duty "for failing to notice and object Corrado’s questionable claims for reimbursement expenses and not calling the attention of management."

 

They were suspended for three months without pay, it added. — Amanda Fernandez/RSJ, GMA News