Cebu Customs collector gets suspended for unexplained P89-M wealth

The Ombudsman suspended yesterday a customs collector in Cebu for failing a lifestyle check which showed a P57.3 million increase in his net worth in a span of 10 years.

Placed under preventive suspension for six months was Maximo Dela Peña Reyes, a collector in Cebu’s port.

He is facing a case for serious dishonesty, grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The Ombudsman was prompted to investigate following a tip about the frequent travels of Reyes.

After the fact-finding investigation, the Ombudsman discovered that Reyes had an unexplained wealth of P89,194,806.37, with undeclared or misdeclared assets amounting to P44,562,440.67.

The Ombudsman also discovered that he did not file his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) for the years 2001 and 2009.Inquirer