Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has ordered the filing of Informations with the Sandiganbayan against former top executives of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) for Malversation of Public Funds through Falsification and violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) for claiming excessive extraordinary expenses in 2006 without supporting documents and exceeding the approved budget ceiling provided by the Department of Budget and Management.
Former Administrator Lorenzo Jamora is facing 150 counts each for Malversation and graft while other LWUA officials also face multiple counts grounded on the same charge. Appearing as Jamora’s co-accused are LWUA executives, namely: Aurora Raymundo-Arnaez (15 counts each for Malversation and graft), Leonard Matti (15 counts each for Malversation and graft), Francisco Dumpit (7 counts each for Malversation and graft), Eduardo Bangayan (11 counts each for Malversation and graft), Daniel Landingin (101 counts each), Emmanuel Malicdem (74 counts each), Lilian Asprer (54 counts each), Wilfredo Feleo (41 counts each), Jesus Copuyoc (12 counts each), Edelwina Parungao (11 counts each), Manalo Kagahastian (12 counts each), Manuel Yoingco (13 counts each), Alfredo Espino (12 counts each), Rebecca Barbo (11 counts each), Armando Fernandez (12 counts each), Edwin Ruiz (12 counts each), Bernardito de Jesus (13 counts each), Antonio Magtibay (13 counts each), Enrique Gita (12 counts each), Avelino Castillo (20 counts each), Lourdes Perele (43 counts each), Mario Quitoriano (10 counts each), Eleanora de Jesus (63 counts each), Hermilo Balucan (9 counts each), Edison Cuenca (1 count each), Venus Pozon (14 counts each), Julian Tajolosa (13 counts each), Primo Lomibao (230 counts each), Arnaldo Espinas (12 counts each), Almer Zerrudo (12 counts each), Leopoldo Palad (263 counts each)and Julita Corpuz (36 counts each).
The Commission on Audit (COA) found that respondents claimed reimbursements amounting to P12,879,337.77 which were merely supported by pro forma certificates instead of official receipts and documents. In July 2009, the COA issued a Notice of Disallowance disallowing the claims for reimbursement of extraordinary expenses ranging from P230,000.00 to P986,356 per executive.
Ombudsman Morales said that “by attesting that the funds were spent on meetings, seminars and conferences, official entertainment, and public relations, when in truth and in fact, there were no receipts and other supporting documents to prove such expenses, respondents made untruthful statements on a public document to facilitate the misappropriation of public funds.”
“Respondents acted with evident bad faith and/or gross inexcusable negligence when they caused and/or participated in the illegal release of funds” stated the Resolution.
In the related administrative case, the Ombudsman also found Jamora, et. al. guilty of Dishonesty, Grave Misconduct and Falsification of Official Documents. They were ordered dismissed from the service and meted the accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification from holding public office, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and bar from taking the civil service examination. In case of separation from service, the penalty is convertible to a fine equivalent to respondent’s one year salary. ###