Ombudsman affirms graft raps against moonlighting OP official

The Office of the Ombudsman approved the filing of graft charges against Antonio Corrado for simultaneously holding a position in the Office of the President and the Philippine Postal Corp.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said it affirmed the filing of graft charges after denying the respondents’ motions for reconsideration.

According to the Ombudsman, Corrado concurrently held the positions of legal/management consultant to the Office of the Postmaster General as well as Assistant Executive Secretary in the Office of the President from 2007 to 2010, this despite a constitutional ban on officials from the Office of the President to hold any other office during their tenure.

Also the Administrative Code of 1987 provides that “no elective or appointive public officer or employee shall receive additional or double compensation unless authorized by law.”

READ: OP exec faces graft raps for taking another gov’t job

Corrado received a total of P1.05 million in allowances, salaries and even reimbursements for hotels and restaurant expenses from the PPC.

The Ombudsman also said the President’s office did not issue an order authorizing Corrado’s detail in the PPC. It added that Corrado’s appointment was made without following the requirements under the Government Procurement Reform law.

Corrado also faces three counts of violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Likewise facing charges are former Postmaster General Hector Villanueva and Chief Executive Staff Juliana Dimalanta for the illegal appointment of Corrado.

The Ombudsman also affirmed the administrative liability of officials, Gloria Miranda, Marietta Bertillo, Veneracion Tuason, Eden Gallevo, Evelyn Bañares and Olivia Panganiban for Simple Neglect of Duty. They were ordered suspended without pay for three months. CDG

READ: PhilPost defends ex-chief over graft raps