Ombudsman orders raps vs ex-SRA administrator

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of criminal charges against former Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) administrator Hermenegildo Serafica over the alleged three-year delay in the procurement of farm equipment worth P5.722 million.

In a 21-page joint resolution approved by Ombudsman Samuel Martires on Aug. 7 and released to the media only yesterday, Serafica was ordered charged with violation of Republic Act (RA) 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Section 65(a)(2) of RA 9184 imposes a penalty of six to 15 years in prison against a public official for “delaying, without justifiable cause, the screening for eligibility, opening of bids, evaluation and post evaluation of bids, and awarding of contracts beyond the prescribed periods of bids or other documents.”

In the same resolution, the ombudsman found Serafica guilty of administrative offenses of gross neglect of duty and grave misconduct.

Aside from dismissal from the service, the ombudsman imposed the accessory penalties of cancellation of civil eligibility and forfeiture of retirement benefits against Serafica.

It also barred him from taking civil service examinations as well as disqualified him from holding public office.

Since Serafica is no longer in government service, the ombudsman said the dismissal would be converted to a fine equivalent to his one-year salary, which may be deducted from his accrued leave credits or any receivables from his office.

The accessory penalties attached to Serafica’s dismissal will still be imposed against him.

The ombudsman dismissed the charges of violation of RA 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Serafica for lack of evidence.