Ombudsman sacks Degamo, this time over intel funds

Photo from the official website of the province of Negros Occidental

The Ombudsman has once again dismissed Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo from public service, this time over the release of P10 million as intelligence funds despite being disapproved by the provincial legislature.

Besides finding Degamo guilty of the administrative offense of grave misconduct, the Ombudsman also found probable cause to pursue criminal charges for violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

In a statement, the Ombudsman said Degamo included the P10-million item in his budget proposal for 2013, but this was deleted from the ordinance approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Yet, on April 15, 2013, he directed the release of the P10-million intelligence fund “without further delay,” which was immediately done the next day. —Vince F. Nonato