Ombudsman employee ordered dismissed for accepting bribe

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) ordered yesterday the dismissal from government service of one of its own employees for allegedly accepting a bribe from a ranking police officer in 2007.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said Administrative Officer III Juan Dita de la Cruz, a records officer assigned at the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices (MOLEO), was found guilty of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

Morales approved the recommendation of the anti-graft agency’s Internal Affairs Board (IAB) to fire the employee for demanding and receiving P30,000 from former Senior Superintendent Pedro Ramos to facilitate the issuance of a clearance that the latter needed for his promotion.

“The principal penalty of dismissal from the service carries with it the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and ban from taking the civil service examinations,” the OMB said.

The decision also found probable cause to criminally indict De la Cruz for graft, direct bribery, and violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Records showed that Ramos and his witness, Senior Police Officer 1 Jessie Caranto, filed a complaint against De la Cruz in December 2012.

After looking into the allegations, the Office of the Ombudsman said the acts committed by its employee “clearly constitute corruption and a willful design to violate the law.”