2 military men face graft raps over P85-M RSBS fund mess

The Office of the Ombudsman approved the filing of graft charges against two military officials over the unauthorized release of some P 85 million from the funds of the now-defunct Armed Forces of the Philippines Retirement and Separation Benefits System (AFP-RSBS). In a 29-page resolution, Ombudsman Mercedita Gutierrez recommended that AFP-RSBS former president, Brig. General Jose S. Ramiscal be indicted on four counts of graft, for violating section 3 of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The said section of the law prohibits public officers from having material interest in any transaction or act requiring the approval of a board, panel or group of which he is a member. Meanwhile, Gutierrez recommended that Col. Oscar Martinez, former AFP-RSBS executive vice president, be slapped with 21 counts of graft for violating the same law. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had ordered the deactivation of the AFP-RSBS after allegations of mismanagement and questionable business ventures brought it to the brink of collapse. Based on government records, Ramiscal and Martinez approved the releases of interest-free advances to the Bay Resources Development Corporation from March 23, 1995 to Dec. 13, 1998. The advances amounted to P85,086,620.50. - GMANews.TV