The Office of the Ombudsman obtained the conviction of Ma. Cristina Orario, former cashier of the Quezon City (QC) central post office after the QC Regional Trial Court, Branch 216, found her guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019). Orario was ordered imprisoned for six years to seven years and was ordered to indemnify the amount of P123,720.00. She was likewise perpetually disqualified from holding public office.
Prosecutors presented documents showing that Orario had a cash shortage of P122,189.29 arising from her acceptance of a personal check of P200,000.00 representing payment for postage stamps. However, the check was not honored due to closure of the account.
In a nine-page Decision, Presiding Judge Alfonso Ruiz II ruled that accused Orario failed to exercise caution and prudence when she accepted the check as payment for postage stamps without verifying and confirming its authenticity. Through gross inexcusable negligence, she violated Philippine Postal Corporation Memorandum Circulars which prohibit encashment and accommodation of private checks, he added.
Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019 prohibits a public officer from causing undue injury to any party, or giving any private party any unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference in the discharge of his official functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence.###