Customs exec to face five counts of perjury

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas will file five counts of perjury case before the court against a document processor of the Bureau of Customs for allegedly declaring false entries in his Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

Graft investigation and prosecution officer II Carmelle Baybay-Suson found sufficient ground to hold German Antopina for trial.

Antopina, who is assigned at the Mactan Export Processing Zone II Sub-Port in Lapu-Lapu City, reportedly misdeclared his SALNs from 2006 to 2010.

“The untruthful statements he made in his 2006 to 2010 SALNs are material matters as they alter the true amount  of his assets and were purposely done to hide the increase of his wealth despite the lack of financial capacity to acquire several assets in years 2005, 2006, and 2007,” read Suson’s resolution.

In its complaint, the Field Investigation Office of the Ombudsman said it received a text message from an anonymous person, alleging Antopina had acquired wealth beyond his means.

An investigation was then conducted and led to the disclosure that Antopina allegedly under-declared the acquisition cost of his house in Barangay Gun-ob, which he acquired in 2007.

He claimed to have acquired the property for P474,065 even if its assessed valued was P1,051,149 as shown in a tax declaration.

Aside from that, the FIO also alleged that Antopina did not declare the acquisition cost of a lot in Gun-ob which he acquired in 2005.

Suson said Antopina had a gross income of P112,786 in 2005 when he acquired properties amounting to P370,000.

In 2006, his gross income was P184,171.50 and yet he acquired a lot and constructed a house worth P415,935 while in 2007, his gross income was P268,456 yet he obtained loans amounting to P486,000. He was also able to construct a two-storey house with a market value of P1,051,149.

Taking into account Antopina’s gross income, Suson stated it was impossible for him to acquire the properties.

In his counter-affidavit, Antopina belied the allegations, saying he was engaged in business and was privately employed before his stint in the government.

His house, he said, was bought through his savings, financial contributions from his siblings who were working abroad, and loans.

He attributed the discrepancies in his SALNs to the lack of proper orientation in filling out the forms. He added that it was not his intention to falsely declare the value of his assets.

Suson still went on to indict Antopina after the latter failed to negate the allegations filed against him. This after Antopina was unable to present proof to substantiate his claims.

Earlier, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered the suspension of Antopina for six months and one day after he was found guilty of less serious dishonesty involving the same issue. (FREEMAN)