SC security chief guilty of moonlighting

A police chief inspector who worked as head of the Supreme Court’s security division while he was still in active service was found guilty of “gross dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service” by the high tribunal.

In a July 5 ruling, the magistrates unanimously upheld the high court’s Office of Administrative Services’ (OAS) finding of guilt for violation of the prohibition on dual employment in state agencies.

And for receiving compensation as a police officer and a court employee simultaneously, Eduardo Escala also found himself losing his retirement benefits as a government employee.

“For knowingly and willfully transgressing the prohibition on dual employment and double compensation, as well as the court’s rules for its personnel on conflict of interest, respondent (Escala) violated the trust and confidence reposed on him by the court,” the tribunal said.

According to OAS, an anonymous letter sender informed the office that Escala violated civil service law when he joined the Supreme Court as head of its security office while still an active member of the Philippine National Police on July 14, 2008.

In reply, Escala said he applied for optional retirement from the PNP on Jan. 24, 2008, thinking that his application would be approved within three months.

“Due to the urgent need to fill the… vacant position, I was hired by the (high court). In good faith… I submitted all the required documents and clearances in support of my appointment,” Escala said.

During the period, he admitted receiving his salary and other benefits as a police officer, “for economic reasons,” while he was also receiving compensation as a court employee.

However, the OAS said Escala’s explanation and return of the money to the PNP was a mere “afterthought.”