Raps for ex-mayor of Antique town over cash advances

MANILA, Philippines — A former mayor of a town in Antique is facing criminal charges over his alleged failure to return unliquidated cash advances that he incurred over the span of eight years.

 

Fernando Corvera, former mayor of San Jose de Buenavista town, was charged by the Office of the Ombudsman with violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and malversation of public funds under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code.

 

Named as his co-accused in both cases was Antonio Tordesillas, former acting municipal accountant.

 

Based on the information of the cases filed before the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan on October 13, Corvera failed to return to the municipal government a total of P685,477.65 in cash advances made from 1999 to 2007.

 

Assistant special prosecutor Jorge Espinal, who prepared the charge sheets, said the unliquidated cash advances remain unreturned “without justifiable cause and despite repeated demands of the said public funds” by the municipal government.

 

Espinal said Tordesillas, in conspiracy with Corvera, prepared disbursement vouchers and certified the completeness of supporting documents to make it appear that liquidations has been made “thereby facilitating or enabling the release of the cash advances to the latter to the damage and prejudice of the government and the public interest”.

 

The ombudsman said Corvera's failure to return the amount under his custody is tantamount to misappropriation or embezzlement of the funds for his and his co-accused's “own personal use and benefits”.

 

The ombudsman recommended to the Sandiganbayan to set the respondents' bail bond at P70,000 each.

 

Listed as among the prosecution's witnesses against Corvera and Tordesillas are municipal accountant Carlos Marquez, treasurer Vicente Samillano, records officer Lyza Grace Somcio, general services officer Lucille Vargas and a certain Ma. Lina Vescatcho.