5 ex-Marine officers face raps over P36.7-M clothing allowance scam

FIVE former officials of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) are facing graft and malversation charges for their alleged misuse of combat clothing allowance and individual equipment (CCIE) allowance in 1999 amounting to P36.8 million.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of graft and malversation charges against former PMC Colonel Renato Miranda, Lt. Col. Jeson Cabatbat, Major Adelo Jandayan, Capt. Felicisimo Millado and Capt. Edmundo Yurong.

In a statement, the Office of the Ombudsman found that in December 1999, the Philippine Navy released P43.5 million CCIE allowance which is intended for enlisted personnel.

However, the results of the Ombudsman’s investigation showed that 145 enlisted personnel did not receive any allowance.

“Investigation showed that based on disbursement vouchers signed by Miranda, 19 checks all dated in April 2000 were issued in favor of Millado as PMC Commanding Officer. The checks were encashed and the proceeds were turned over to Jandayan. In turn, Cabatbat and Yurong certified and submitted falsified payrolls of the enlisted personnel. Upon verification and random sampling, 145 enlisted personnel stationed in various provinces denied receiving any allowance and signing in the payroll,” the Ombudsman said.

Morales denied the motion for reconsideration filed by the former military officials saying that they “should have exercised due diligence and prudence in entering into transactions involving funds” and that failure to do so “signifies [their] active participation in the anomalous transaction which resulted [in] the defraudation of the government.”

Meanwhile, the Ombudsman dismissed charges against Brigadier General Percival Subala and Capt. Carolyn Bontolo for lack of probable cause. AC