Ex-DFA chief cleared of double compensation charge

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the Office of the Ombudsman’s dismissal of an administrative case against former foreign affairs secretary Delia Albert for allegedly receiving double compensation.

The SC dismissed the petition of one Hermenegildo Cruz questioning the anti-graft agency’s resolution dismissing his complaint against Albert, according to the SC public information office.

The SC said the post of foreign secretary is a political position different from a rank in the career service like Chief of Mission I.

“Albert, at the time, received only compensation and remunerations as ad interim foreign affairs secretary,” the SC said.  

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales dismissed the complaint of Cruz to hold Albert liable for conduct prejudicial to the service for holding two government positions at the same time.

Albert was ad interim secretary of foreign affairs from December 2003 to August 2004 while retaining her rank as Chief of Mission I.