CA stops Negros governor’s dismissal

MANILA, Philippines — The Court of Appeals (CA) issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) stopping the Office of the Ombudsman from dismissing Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo in connection with the charges he is facing for the alleged misuse of intelligence funds in 2013.

In a resolution released yesterday, the CA-Visayas said the TRO is valid for 60 days.

In appealing his dismissal, Degamo said the ombudsman committed “grave abuse of discretion” because it did not apply the condonation doctrine  following his reelection.

Degamo claimed the dismissal order had no basis, saying the questioned amount had been accounted for under the notice of settlement issued by the Commission on Audit (COA) on May 30, 2017.

The ombudsman also ordered Degamo’s perpetual disqualification from holding public office, cancellation of eligibility and forfeiture of retirement benefits.

Investigation showed Degamo issued a memorandum to release P10 million in the form of cash advance for intelligence-related expenses after the provincial board did not approve the amount as intelligence funds under the provincial government’s 2013 budget.

The COA said the cash advance was made in the absence of an appropriation ordinance in violation of the Local Government Code and Government Auditing Code.

The ombudsman had earlier issued two dismissal orders against Degamo over the alleged misuse of the provincial government’s calamity funds in 2012 amounting to P480 million.

The CA also stopped the ombudsman from enforcing the orders.