MANILA, Philippines -- A city treasurer was meted a six-month preventive suspension by the Ombudsman amid “strong indication” that the official was found “administratively guilty of dishonesty and grave misconduct” for accumulating unexplained wealth worth P14 million during her years of service.
In a six-page order, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez also said that Ofelia M. Oliva of the Pasay government is under investigation for other possible criminal liabilities.
"From the facts and the evidence presented, there is strong indication that the respondent is administratively guilty of Dishonesty or Grave Misconduct, for having acquired wealth disproportionate to her lawful income, in the aggregate amount of P14 million," Gutierrez said.
She also directed Oliva to file a counter-affidavit within 10 days from receipt of the order.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the Department of Finance–Revenue Integrity Protection Service (DOF-RIPS) before the Ombudsman.
In its complaint, the DOF-RIPS alleged that from 1972 to 2006, Oliva filed her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth (SALN) just once -- for the year 2004.
It also alleged that she "committed perjury when she denied under oath that she owned real property and motor vehicles."
The DOF-RIPS submitted documents to support its allegation that the respondent owned residential lots in Paradise Village, Kasambangan, Cebu City; Alviola St., Tejero, Cebu City; and a residential building at Alviola St. also in Cebu City.
The complainant also furnished the Ombudsman documents from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) which showed that Oliva owned a 2004 Mitsubishi (YBR-261); 1996 Mitsubishi Gallant (GHW-158); 1994 Volkswagen (GBB-508).
Assistant Ombudsman Mark E. Jalandoni of the Field Investigation Office (FIO) encouraged the public to immediately report to the Ombudsman any information about government employees or officials with suspected unexplained wealth thru the OMB Lifestyle Check Hotlines 927-4102 and 927-2404.
He assured them that the Ombudsman would treat such reports with utmost confidentiality.
