Ombudsman dismisses case vs ex-Mandaue city employee

CEBU, Philippines - Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol dismissed the complaint filed against an officer in Mandaue City, rejecting the recommendation of a graft investigator that a case must be filed.

Graft Investigator Nelia Lagura had recommended the filing of a case against Roberto Ranile for his delay in liquidating cash advances worth over P1.9 million.

But Apostol disapproved the recommendation, saying Ranile has his reasons for the delay.

The Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Office (PACPO)- Ombudsman Visayas was the complainant in the issue. A check with the Mandaue City yesterday shows that Ranile is no longer working for the city government.

“The cash advances were totally accounted and liquidated. Moreover, the delay of the respondent to liquidate was not without reasons,” Apostol said.

Apostol added that the delay were due to the failure of the Sports Committee Chairman to liquidate the money that Ranile distributed for sports program activities.

The complainant said Ranile failed to report the liquidation of his cash advances in the amount of P1,980,000.

Government auditors Carolina Mendez and Jenny Dayola discovered on February 14, 2004 Ranile’s outstanding cash advances. They then demanded Ranile to settle his accountabilities within 30 days.

On January 25, 2005 Ranile explained that the Sports Committee failed to liquidate the money which he released for sports activities.

Ranile told auditors he will liquidate the cash advances as soon as possible. He requested for consideration, as the sports committee promised to liquidate the same before the end of February 2005.

During the clarificatory hearing, Mandaue City Accountant Eliseo Ledesma on May 22, 2007 said Ranile already submitted a liquidation of his cash advances but needed justification. Ranile later submitted a justification of his discrepancies which Ledesma granted and gave certification citing Ranile has no outstanding unliquidated cash advances. — (FREEMAN)