Malversation charges filed vs. ex-Batangas governor Leviste over unliquidated funds

Convicted former Batangas governor Jose Antonio Leviste has been charged in connection with his alleged failure to liquidate more than P151,000 that was used for his foreign travels in 2003 when he was chairman of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA).

The Office of the Ombudsman charged Leviste with one count of malversation of public funds under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) before the Sandiganbayan.

Also charged was Philip John Moreno, who was then-Division Chief II of the PRA's Financial Planning and Control Division.

"[The respondents] did then and there willfully, unlawfully, and feloniously take, misappropriate, embezzle, appropriate and convert to their personal use and benefi public funds in their custody and control by reason of the duties of their office," the Ombudsman said.

The Ombudsman recommended a P40,000 bail for each of the accused.

The case stemmed from the PRA's release of cash advances amounting to P869,180.75 in 2003 to its then chairman Leviste to fund his foreign travels.

The Ombudsman said Leviste failed to liquidate, refund, or account P151,385.42 despite demands from the Commission on Audit (COA).

The Ombudsman pointed out that Moreno was also liable for the offense since he facilitated the release of the funds despite Leviste's failure in the past to liquidate his previous cash advances "that led to the approval and release of cash advances for [Leviste's] foreign travels."

Leviste was found guilty of homicide by a Makati court in 2009 for having shot dead his former aide Rafael de las Alas in 2007. He was released in 2013 from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City after being granted parole. —Mark Merueñas/KBK, GMA News