Malversation raps filed vs Abad

Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad. INQUIRER.net file photo

MANILA, Philippines–Former Iloilo Representative Augusto Syjuco Jr. on Wednesday filed malversation complaints against Budget Secretary Florencio Abad.

In his complaint filed in the Office of the Ombudsman, Syjuco said Abad committed malversation when he and his co-conspirators misappropriated public funds for projects, activities and programs not included in the General Appropriations Act.

“Respondent Abad simply appropriated public funds…without the authority and imprimatur of Congress. Hence, malversation was committed by respondent Abad,” Syjuco said.

Syjuco said Abad also committed technical malversation for applying public funds or property under his administration to a different purpose for which they were originally appropriated.

He said the 1,997 Special Allotment Release Orders (Saro) is proof of technical malversation and falsification of public documents.

Syjuco also asked the Ombudsman to preventively suspend Abad.

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