Former barangay treasurer facing graft raps

CEBU, Philippines - Because of her alleged failure to account for more than P700,000 worth of  transactions, a former barangay treasurer in Talisay City is facing malversation charges before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.

Angelita Delima, who used to be the treasurer of Barangay Tanke, was charged after Ombudsman’s Darius Sagadal, graft investigation and prosecution officer, found “sufficient evidence” pointing that the accused missed to account for P728,382.34 in government funds between 2008 to 2010.

Delima also allegedly signed checks without supporting documents.

In Sagadal’s resolution, he said Delima’s actions “caused undue injury to the government.”

Though Delima had an intention to return the amount, Sagadal said this, still, cannot absolve her from her action.

“The return of funds malversed is not a defense. It is neither an exempting circumstance nor a ground for extinguishing her criminal liability,” read the resolution.

Delima, in her defense, alleged that she signed the checks in good faith, and that all transactions were approved by the barangay and the City Council.

Though she denied the accusations, she said she is willing to settle the missing funds.  (FREEMAN)