Sacked CHR commissioner charged with graft, bribery

MANILA — State prosecutors have formally charged dismissed Commission on Human Rights Commissioner Cecilia Rachel “Coco” Quisumbing for allegedly keeping for herself the salary raise of a promoted employee.

Quisumbing faces charges of graft, direct bribery, and ethical violation filed at the Sandiganbayan on Monday.

According to the charge sheets, Quisumbing caused the promotion of her co-terminus staff to Administrative Assistant III, from the position of Administration Aide VI. This supposedly disregarded the Civil Commission’s rules on merit and promotion.

In exchange, Quisumbing allegedly demanded the salary differentials amounting to P41,292.85 from January to July 2013.

Quisumbing is accused of violating Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes the act of direct bribery, as well as Section 7(d) of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials, which bars officials from soliciting or accepting gifts.

She also allegedly violated Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits public officials from causing undue injury to any party and giving unwarranted benefits to a private party.

Eugenio, who lodged the complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman, is among the witnesses to be presented by the prosecution. The charge sheets recommended that bail for the three criminal cases be fixed at P60,000.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered Quisumbing’s dismissal on Aug. 28, 2014, after finding her guilty of violating the Code of Conduct. The Court of Appeals upheld her decision in an August 2015 ruling.  SFM