Ombuds files charges vs barangay treasurer

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has found sufficient grounds to file malversation charges against a barangay treasurer of Cogon, Naga City, Cebu for her failure to account for alleged missing public funds under her custody.

Indicted was barangay treasurer Dimpna Bacalso.

“In the case at bar, no explanation was made by respondent Bacalso. Hence, this Office finds probable cause to indict respondent for malversation of public funds penalized under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code in the amount of P173,939.84,” the resolution read.

A bail for P30,000 has been recommended for her  temporary liberty.

In its complaint, the Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Unit (PACPO) of the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas alleged there were irregularities in the disbursement of public funds as reflected in the audit report.

State auditor III Anabelle Tantoy of the Commission on Audit (COA) prepared the audit report dated May 16, 2006.

The audit report also revealed that accused issued and cashed several checks without vouchers, supporting documents, and budgetary appropriations.

Finding sufficient ground to proceed with the preliminary investigation, Katherine Genovesa ordered Bacalso to file a counter-affidavit and other controverting evidence but she failed.

Hence, Genovesa resolved the complaint based on the evidence of the PACPO.

“It was then found out that respondent Bacalso’s cashbook showed a total balance of P225,244.59 on the cash in barangay treasury account as of December 6, 2005.Of the P225,244.59 total accountability of the respondent,P173,939.84 represents the amount of various checks issued without any approved disbursement vouchers,” the resolution read.

Meanwhile, the graft investigator said the COA has recommended that Bacalso refund the amount disbursed but she failed again.

“The failure of the public officer to have duly forthcoming any public funds with which she is chargeable, upon demand, by any duly authorized officer, shall be prima facie evidence that she has put such missing funds to personal use,” the resolution further read. (FREEMAN)