CEBU, Philippines - A former staff of the National Youth Commission in Cebu was indicted by the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas for her failure to account over P27,000 government funds.
Graft investigator Maria Regina Hagad-Fernandez found sufficient evidence to charge Sandra Chiongbian for malversation of public funds before the court.
“In sum, probable cause exists to warrant the filing of a criminal case in court against respondent for malversation of public funds in the amount of P27,054.43,†the resolution reads.
Fernandez has recommended P40,000 bail for Chiongbian’s temporary liberty. The case was a result of the fact-finding investigation earlier conducted by the Field Investigation Office (FIO) of the anti-graft body represented by Associate Graft Investigation Officer Dindo Jacinto.
The FIO acted on a letter request dated November 6, 2006 seeking to investigate the accused. Attached to the letter was an affidavit-complaint of Arturo Magadan of the administrative and finance division of NYC.
Magadan alleged that sometime in the years 1999 and 2000, Chiongbian made cash advances amounting to P64,798 intended for the implementation of various programs of the NYC as part of her duties and responsibilities.
However, accused failed to fully liquidate the amount despite repeated demands.— (FREEMAN)