Perjury vs BJMP chief

The Office of the Ombudsman filed yesterday a perjury case against the chief of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology for misdeclaring his Statements of Assets and Liabilities (SAL) and Networth for year 1998.

Ombudsman Prosecutor Sherwin Casurao recommended a P10,000 bail for the temporary liberty of BJMP director Aquilino Jacob Jr, a resident of 2386 Antipolo St. Guadalupe, Makati City.

In a one-page complaint, Casurao said that Jacob filed his SAL for 1998 in compliance with Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Government Officials and Employees. However, Casurao said that Jacob did not declare that he owned a Toyota Jeep bearing plate nos. DDL 555 since 1995.

Casurao said that the Toyota Jeep was registered under the name of Jacob’s wife.

"The accused knew well that said vehicle is conjugally owned by him and his wife, his wife being the registered owner of the jeep" Casurao said.

The perjury case against Jacob was raffled off yesterday to the Sandiganbayan Third Division. – Jose Rodel Clapano