Customs officer convicted of false asset statements

THE Metropolitan Trial Court of Manila has convicted a Bureau of Customs official for failure to make accurate declarations in the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN).

BOC Operations Officer Francis Voltaire Azaña was convicted of six counts of violation of Section 8 of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act 6713), according to the Office of the Ombudsman on Saturday, November 11.

Azaña was ordered to pay a fine of P1,000 for each count, or a total of P6,000.

Azaña’s culpability stemmed from the misrepresentation in his SALN from 2009 to 2014.

Documents showed that the accused failed to truthfully declare the acquisition cost of house and lot in Bataan amounting to P400,000; bank housing loan amounting to P4,000,000; bank deposits; and the acquisition cost of Toyota Corolla Altis amounting to P550,000.

During the re-arraignment, Azaña changed his plea from “not guilty” to “guilty” and assured the court that he fully understood the nature and consequences of the change of plea.

Section 8 of Republic Act 6713 mandates public officials and employees to accomplish and submit declarations under oath of their assets, liabilities, net worth and financial and business interests. (YJG/SunStar Philippines)