Ombuds reprimands former BI-7 director

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has reprimanded former Bureau of Immigration-7 director Reynaldo Almaden after he was found guilty of violating an office rules and regulations by using a government vehicle without a trip ticket.

The anti-graft office in the Visayas through graft investigator Mona Chica Gillamac has ordered the immigration commissioner to implement the penalty and submit a compliance report.

Gillamac however dismissed the criminal complaint for violation of Section 4(a) of the Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees against Almaden after the latter was able to prove that his using the vehicle on a weekend was not for personal purpose.

Although, the anti-graft office still holds him liable for committing a simple violation of the office rules and regulations.

“It is very obvious that a trip ticket is required and respondent committed a violation of the COA circular and administrative order which constitutes a violation of reasonable office rules and regulations,” the Ombudsman decision reads.

The Ombudsman’s task force “Oplan Red Plate” caught Almaden’s service vehicle on October 18, 2008 parked in a mall’s parking area. An investigation was conducted against him for using a government vehicle on a weekend.

However, in his counter-affidavit, Almaden said he did not use the vehicle for personal reason.

“I denied that I used it for personal use and as an officer conducting investigation and intelligence work, I did not need a trip ticket in using the vehicle on that day,” Almaden said.

According to Almaden, as an alien control officer, one of his functions is to investigate and take appropriate actions in all cases involving violations of immigration and registration laws.

Almaden, who is now assigned in Luzon, said on October 18, 2008 he went to the mall to meet with the representatives from Singaporean, Korean and Chinese community and some immigration officers. — (FREEMAN)