Over alleged failure to account digicam: Ombudsman indicts former SK head

CEBU, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman Visayas has recommended the filing of a criminal case in court against the former chairperson of the Sangguniang Kabataan of barangay Tejero in Cebu City for the crime of malversation of public property because of her alleged failure to return the digital camera issued to her by the barangay.

Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol approved the filing of the criminal case before the Regional Trial Court against Jackelyn Misa for violation of the Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code.

Misa was accused of having failed to account the digital camera amounting to P25,000 which the barangay issued upon her request to be used in documenting the activities and projects of the SK during her term.

Former Tejero councilman (now barangay chairman) Jessielou Cadungog filed a complaint before the anti-graft office alleging that sometime in May 2006, Misa made a request for the purchase of a digital camera.

As member of the Bids and Awards Committee, Cadungog said they approved the purchase of the camera which the barangay bought at P25,000. Misa took custody of the camera until then barangay captain Lito Fajardo issued a memorandum on February 23, 2007 for her to turn over the item to the barangay treasurer and property custodian.

In spite of the memorandum, Misa failed to return the digital camera. Two more memoranda were issued on February 27 and May 5, 2007, respectively, but the SK head still failed to turn it over to the barangay.

Cadungog decided to bring the matter before the anti-graft office but Misa again refused to heed the order. In fact, she did not answer the charges despite the lapse of reasonable period of time for her to submit a counter-affidavit.

Graft investigator Vicente Roble Jr. found probable cause to indict Misa of the crime of malversation of public property after she failed to rebut the charges.

The anti-graft office has recommended P40,000 bail for Misa’s temporary liberty, an amount higher than the digital camera that she refused to return. — Fred P. Languido/WAB (THE FREEMAN)