Retired army officer charged for failure to return supplies

CEBU, Philippines – A former member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is facing a charge of malversation of public property for his failure to return the hospital equipment issued to him some five years ago.

The graft investigation and prosecution officer of the Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices has filed the case against Maj. Alex Borromeo, now retired and formerly assigned as supply officer of the Camp Lapu-Lapu Station Hospital at the Central Command, Barangay Apas, Cebu City.

Borromeo, a resident of Saint Jude Subdivision, Bulacao, Pardo, Cebu City allegedly failed to return, despite demands, hospital supplies worth P91,250 in October 2005. 

Graft investigator, Marissa S. Bernal, recommended a bail of P40,000 for Borromeo's temporary liberty.

In her recommendation, Bernal said she sent subpoena to the accused but the latter failed to submit any controverting evidence.

"Respondent fails to dispute the presumption that he misappropriated such handled radios for his personal use. Hence, probable cause can be safely inferred from this circumstance," Bernal stated.

The case stemmed from the complaint filed by CentCom's Supply Accountable Officer, Editha Dichos, who claimed Borromeo did not return the equipment issued to him after his retirement and failed to clear his property accountability despite demands.

These hospital equipment are one unit suction machine with transformer, two sets kick about bucket, two sets Denilbuss Pulmoaide Nebulizer and one unit universal nobulizer pump 220 volt, all amounting to P91,250. (FREEMAN)