Ombudsman orders raps vs. former DOTC employee

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman found sufficient grounds to criminally charge a former employee of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) for falsifying documents to travel in the United States in 2006.

In a 16-page resolution, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales ordered the filing of charges against Romeo German, former head executive assistant (HEA) of former DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza. A separate order was also issued ordering charges against German and a certain Maria Wanez Dy for falsifying and forging Mendoza's signature on the Travel Authority issued in favor of Dy.

During a probe by Morales's office, field investigators found out that on July 18, 2006, German and Dy traveled to the United States using fake Travel Authorities purportedly issued by Mendoza.

“German as public officer being the HEA has the duty to make, or to prepare, or otherwise intervene in the preparation of documents emanating from the Office of the Secretary as he in fact had access to the bar codes being attached to all outgoing documents. He took advantage of his official position when he caused the preparation of the Travel Authorities in their favor and attached the series 4 bar codes in his possession to give the documents semblance of authenticity,” the resolution said.

The Ombudsman dismissed charges against former DOTC Assistant Secretary Emmanuel Noel Cruz for lack of probable cause.