Ombudsman affirms dismissal of NCMF execs for pork barrel misuse

The Office of the Ombudsman has affirmed the dismissal of five officials of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) over the misuse of late Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Simeon Datumanong’s P3.8-million pork barrel funds in 2012.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales refused to reconsider her order, first announced in March, to dismiss the the five officials for having been found guilty of the administrative offenses of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the interest of the service.

Slapped with the penalties were former Secretary Mehol Sadain, acting chief accountant Fedelina Aldanese, Director III Galay Makalinggan, acting chief Aurora Aragon-Mabang, and cashier Olga Galido.

According to the NCMF website, Makalinggan has been “reassigned” as special assistant to the regional director of NCMF-Cotabato. As for the other officials, their separation from government service meant the dismissal penalty was convertible to a fine equivalent to one year’s salary.

The case arose from the release of Datumanong’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) proceeds to Maharlikang Lipi Foundation, Inc. (MLFI) for his livelihood projects for the towns of Mamasapano, Ampatuan, and Datu Abdullah Sanki.

The Commission on Audit, however, found that the selection of the nongovernment organization did not go through public bidding, violating COA Circular No. 2007-01.

Morales reiterated that the respondents’ participation in the preparation and execution of the memorandum of agreement with MLFI “has been proven” already.

“Respondents miserably failed to measure up to the procurement policy standards when they failed to strictly comply with the Government Procurement Reform Act,” Morales ruled.

This was not the first time the NCMF officials were slapped with administrative sanctions.

Sadain and his fellow NCMF officials were previously ordered dismissed in a January administrative ruling in connection with the allegedly anomalous use of the P29.1-million PDAF of Sen. Gregorio Honasan in 2012. /atm