Ombudsman tells Capiz execs, bizwoman to answer graft charges

The Office of the Ombudsman ordered top Capiz provincial officials to answer the administrative and criminal charges filed against them by some member of the provincial board relative to the use of funds for the Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital (RMPH).

In an order released Thursday, the Ombudsman gave Capiz Gov. Esteban Evan B.Contreras, Provincial Administrator Edwin C. Monares, RMPH officer-in-charge Dr. Edmarie M. Tormon, and Nizza G. Billedo of NGB Marketing 10 days to answer the charges.

The cases were filed by Provincial Board Members Jonathan Besa, Enrique Martin, Thea Faith Reyes, Weldie Apolinario, Mateo Hachuela, Elmer Arevalo, Michelle John Patricio, and Renzo Teves.

The criminal charges include:

(a) violation of Section 65.4 of Republic Act No. 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act);

(b) violation of Sections 3 (e) and (i ) of Republic Act No. 3019 (the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act);

(c) Malversation of Public Funds under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code; and

(d) violation of Section 1, par. (d), 1 and 6 of Republic Act No. 7080 (the Plunder Law).

The administrative complaints include Dishonesty, Gross Neglect of Duty, Grave Misconduct, Inefficiency kag Incompetence in the Performance of Official Duties, and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service under the Civil Service Decree, the Civil Service Rules on Administrative Cases, and the Administrative Code.

The complaint stemmed from the alleged refusal of Contreras, Monares, and Tormon to shed light and release documents relative to the funds and salaries of hospital workers.

The eight board members said they only want to learn what happened to the hospital funds, particularly the procurements and salaries of workers.

Contreras said he welcomes the charges as it will be a venue for him to explain the issues pertaining to RMPH funds. But he called the charges as nothing but politicking.