18 ex-gov't execs barred from seeking public office over 'pork' scam links

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has ordered the perpetual disqualification of 18 former government officials from holding public office for their alleged involvement in the multi-billion peso Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

Morales imposed the penalty against two of former House Speaker Prospero Nograles' staff and several former officials from government agencies tasked to implement the government-funded projects.

The Ombudsman said the officials served under the National Livelihood Development Corporation (NLDC), Technology Resource Center (TRC), and the National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR).

Jennifer Karen Lagbas and Danilo Jamito were the former chief of staff and chief public affairs officer of Nograles, respectively.

Nograles and former representatives Salacnib Baterina, Marc Douglas Cagas IV, and Thomas Dumpit Jr. are facing graft and malversation charges before the Sandiganbayan.

Other officials perpetually dismissed from government service are:

• Alan Javellana
• Encarnita Cristina Munsod
• Romulo Relevo
• Rhodora Mendoza
• Gondelina Amata
• Emmanuel Alexis Sevidal
• Ofelia Ordoñez
• Sofia Cruz
• Marivic Jover
• Dennis Cunanan
• Belina Concepcion
• Maurine Dimaranan
• Filipina Rodriguez
• Chita Jalandoni
• Gregoria Buenaventura
• Elsie Walican

"The respondents were found liable for various administrative offenses such as Grave Misconduct, Serious Dishonesty, and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service," the Ombudsman said.

A penalty equivalent to one year's salary will also be meted against the respondents.

Investigators found that the respondents conspired with the former lawmakers for the anomalous utilization of PDAF-funded "ghost" projects.

"It was discovered that many of the livelihood project beneficiaries denied receipt of the livelihood technology kits/materials, grafted seedlings, hand tractors and water pumps," the Ombudsman said.

"The reported projects implemented through the NGOs were supported by questionable and spurious documents. Suppliers also denied providing farm implements or issuing any invoices and receipts," it added.

The respondents are also facing multiple counts of graft and malversation charges before anti-graft court Sandiganbayan. —KBK, GMA News