For failure to liquidate his cash advances amounting to P1,323,556.27 accumulated over a period of eight years, Segundino Buniel, the former general manager of Cantilan Water District (CWD) of Surigao del Sur is facing criminal charges for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and Malversation of Public Funds.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the Commission on Audit (COA)-Surigao del Sur after Buniel failed to settle his cash advances despite demands in June 2011 and November 2012. Buniel requested for an extension of 30 days to complete his liquidations, and that payment be made through salary deductions. Despite his promises, the cash advance for his official travels remain unaccounted for.
“[R]espondent has the bounden duty to settle his cash advances. His failure to act in a situation where there is a duty to act demonstrates gross inexcusable negligence, hence, he should be made to answer for this charge,” Ombudsman Morales stated.
The Resolution underscored that being the general manager of CWD, Buniel is an accountable officer and it was incumbent upon him to liquidate every cash advance drawn as soon as the purpose for which it was given has been served. “Respondent’s act has caused undue injury to the government” equivalent to P1,323,556.27, the Resolution added.
In May 2015, Ombudsman Morales imposed the penalty of dismissal from service against Buniel for being administratively liable over the same P1.3M unliquidated cash advances.###