BOC exec sacked over dishonesty, unexplained wealth

MANILA, Philippines - The acting chief of the Bureau of Customs Assessment Division of the Port of Cagayan de Oro City has been dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman after finding him guilty of grave misconduct and serious dishonesty in relation to his owning properties and businesses beyond his financial capcaity.

A statement from the Department of Finance said Eduardo Ginea Wong has been sacked after a complaint by its Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) that he bought properties and funded the startup of a number of businesses "despite the lack of adequate finances to afford them."

“Let it be noted that based on the Service Record of the respondent his monthly salary, to date, is only P30,665.00 per month. The amount will still be subjected to deductions for GSIS contribution, Philhealth and cost of living expenses, among others. The question is: How can he justify his landholdings, real and personal properties as against his salary even if combined with the income of his wife? He failed to present that his wife’s income is sufficient to acquire the cost of all the properties,” the Ombudsman said.

The investigation and lifestyle check conducted by the DOF-RIPS found that Wong bought real properties, mostly in the Misamis Oriental area, and has engaged in several businesses such as rice and corn milling, food, barbershop,  and  building and house rentals.

In support of the charge of Serious Dishonesty, DOF-RIPS  said Wong’s lumped declaration of his houses, worth P1,386,730.00, in Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental, as reported in his 2000 to 2009 SALNs, which he acquired from 1983 to 2003.

Also, an ocular conducted by the DOF-RIPS of Wong's property led to the discovery of 15 single-detached and duplex type residential properties which were being rented out to various tenants. Wong was earning P20,250 a month as Customs Examiner during the time of construction of these houses, while his wife was a former school teacher.

The evidence gathered also confirmed that Wong’s businesses were omitted from his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) for selected years.  Pressed with a charge of non-declaration of his business interests, Wong countered that his business ventures were put up in a span of 15 years and did not involve “substantial” funds to get them going.

Wong's argument was set aside as government officials and employees are required to report in their SALN all their assets, the statement added.

Besides dismissal, Wong is also barred from seeking government employment again, cancellation of Civil Service eligibility, and forfeiture of retirement benefits.