University head who used school resources to fix house axed

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal from government service of the president of the Cagayan State University (CSU), who faces charges of malversation, graft and indirect bribery for allegedly using the school’s resources to renovate his house.

In a nine-page joint resolution, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said CSU president Roger Perez used government materials, equipment, electricity and laborers for the construction of steel windows and steel staircase in his residence.

Records show that on several occasions in August 2006, Perez allegedly took various materials and equipment from the CSU warehouse for delivery to his house, including some brought out by the laborers, according to security logbooks. 

On the charge of indirect bribery, records show that in March 2006, the CSU ordered P2,385,765 worth of pre-cast gutter from Freyssinet Filipinas Corp. for the CSU gymnasium. 

After the gym was finished and the supplier paid, Perez allegedly received a P140,400 check in his name. 

“The use of public properties, equipment and labor services for personal gain is a classic case of malversation, violation of Sec. 3(e) of RA 3019 and grave misconduct,” the Office of the Ombudsman said.

To aggravate matters, Perez “appears to have solicited and received in his own name the amount of P140,400 from Freyssinet.”

Aside from being indicted and dismissed from the service, Perez was also meted out the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and prohibition from taking civil service examinations. – With Artemio Dumlao