Ombudsman finds nine ex-gov't execs guilty over 'pork' misuse

The Office of the Ombudsman has found nine officials from defunct government implementing agencies guilty of administrative cases for the unlawful disbursement of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of former Misamis Occidental Representative Marina Clarete from 2007 to 2009.

Respondents in the case are then-National Agribusiness Corporation officials Romulo Relevo and Maria Ninez Guañizo; National Livelihood Development Corporation executives Emmanuel Alexis Sevidal, Chita Jalandoni, Gregoria Buenaventura, Ofelia Ordoñez and Sofia Cruz; and Technology Resource Center officers Marivic Jover and Consuelo Espiritu.

The Ombudsman found them guilty of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

Accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification from holding public office and forefeiture of retirement benefits were meted against them. They were also ordered to pay a fine equivalent to their one year's salary.

The Ombudsman said Relevo and his co-accused "extended unusual accommodation" in the release of P47.5 million worth of PDAF, or pork barrel, in favor of Kabuhayan at Kalusugang Alay sa Masa Foundation, Inc. (KKAMFI), Kasangga sa Magandang Bukas Foundation, Inc. (KMBFI) and the Aaron Foundation Philippines, Inc. (AFPI).

The three non-government organizations were allegedly handpicked by Clarete for the implementation of integrated livelihood development projects in Misamis province.

Futhermore, field investigations conducted by the Commission on Audit revealed that disbursements and checks were issued for the project despite the non-existence of the livelihood program and its fictitous list of beneficiaries and liquidation documents.

“Instead of using the PDAF disbursements received by them to implement the livelihood projects, the officers of KKAMFI, KMBFI and AFPI, as well as their suppliers, all acting in conspiracy with Clarete and herein respondents, diverted the PDAF for their own personal benefits,” the Ombudsman said in its decision.

The respondents are also facing multiple criminal charges before the Sandiganbayan for their alleged misuse of PDAF. —KBK, GMA News