Mandaue staff cleared of graft, malversation

CEBU, Philippines — For lack of probable cause, the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has cleared a former local legislative staff officer of Mandaue City over unliquidated cash advances.

Rey Jason Biaño was sued for malversation of public funds or property and for his failure to render accounts as the accountable officer.

Graft investigation and prosecution officer Luanne Ivy Cabatingan dismissed the complaints after Biaño settled his cash advances amounting to P15,800.

“Considering that respondent had already fully settled his accountability for the outstanding cash advance, as soon as he learned of his alleged failure to liquidate the same, his subsequent liquidation of the cash advance, albeit delayed, may be taken as a sign of good faith on his part and a lack of intention to do wrong,” the resolution read.

In their complaint, the Ombudsman Field Investigation Office in the Visayas alleged that Biaño had unliquidated cash advances as of December 31, 2015.

The complainant maintained that Biaño was more than eight years delayed in accounting for his cash advance for a trip.

Biaño denied the allegation filed against him. He claimed that he had submitted all necessary documents for liquidation to a job order employee who was tasked to forward or submit all documents pertaining to cash advances of employees to the appropriate office.

As a matter of fact, he said he was never given any written notice or any demand letter for him to liquidate or refund his cash advances for his trip.

Cabatingan ruled in favor of Biaño. — BRP (FREEMAN)