Negros Oriental governor dismissed

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has issued another dismissal order against Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo.

In a decision recently signed by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, Degamo was found guilty of grave misconduct in connection with the alleged illegal release of the intelligence funds of the provincial government in 2013 amounting to P10 million.

Morales also ordered Degamo’s perpetual disqualification from holding public office, cancellation of his civil service eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits and disqualification from taking the civil service examination.

Degamo was earlier dismissed for the alleged misuse of calamity funds in 2012 worth P480 million.

In the latest dismissal order, the ombudsman said Degamo ordered the release of the intelligence funds even though the amount had been deleted in the appropriation ordinance passed by the provincial board.

“Degamo’s act of insisting for the release of the cash advance despite the apparent absence of the necessary appropriation is a clear badge of willful intent to violate the laws and established rules,” the ombudsman resolution read.

Degamo is serving a 90-day suspension in connection with the charges he is facing for the alleged misuse of P143.2 million in calamity funds also in 2012.