Negros gov faces raps for calamity fund misuse

MANILA, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to indict Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo for graft and malversation of public funds for allegedly misusing the provincial government’s calamity funds in 2011 and 2012.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales said yesterday provincial treasurer Danilo Mendez and provincial accountant Teodorico Reyes would also be named respondents in the case.

The criminal charges stem from the local officials’ award of 11 infrastructure projects amounting to P143.2 million despite lack of funds.

Records show calamity funds intended for the repair, rehabilitation and construction of structures damaged by Typhoon Sendong in 2011 and the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the province in 2012 were used.

Degamo and the respondents proceeded to award the contracts amounting to P143.2 million, representing the 15 percent advance payment, even though the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) withdrew the Special Allotment and Release Order.

The Commission on Audit also issued 11 notices of disallowance.

”The unilateral act of ignoring DBM’s authority is indicative of bad faith, manifest partiality and, or gross inexcusable negligence which caused undue injury to the government,” Morales said.