Agusan Sur execs face graft raps

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan Del Sur, Philippines – Former and incumbent officials of this province are facing graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly not liquidating cash advances amounting to P852,087,991.20 from 2003 to 2010.

In a 13-page complaint filed by Agusan del Sur Liberal Party district chairman Roberto “Bob” Aquino, graft charges were filed against former governor Adolph Edward Plaza, his sister former Agusan del Sur governor now Congresswoman Maria Valentina Galido, provincial accountant Joy Lagat, budget officer Francisco Cejuela, former treasurer Celsa Sanchez and several other provincial officials.

Aquino cited the annual reports of the Commission on Audit, which said the cash advances of the provincial government from 2003 to 2010 have not been liquidated.

He said the unliquidated cash advances are as follows: P52.6 million (2005); P87.9 million (2007); P94.1 million (2008); P159.6 million (2009); and P203.6 million as of Dec. 31, 2009.

Aquino’s lawyer, former Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) national president Jose Grapelon told The STAR in a mobile phone interview he hoped that Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales will immediately act on the complaint.

“I understand Ombudsman Morales is serious to go after big fishes and has set a time frame for early resolution of all graft cases.This is good, it will help President Aquino’s anti-corruption campaign as the public are now eager to see how serious really is the President in his Matuwid Na Daan campaign” Grapelon said.