EX-SK PRESIDENT ACCUSED OF GRAFT

Ombud finds evidence to charge former SK head in Consolacion with six counts of malversation of public funds

The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has indicted a former youth council chief from Consolacion, Cebu over unsettled cash advances totaling to P66, 300.

Maria Bernadeth Subaan, graft investigation and prosecution officer, found evidence to charge Ma. Margox Cheer Quimod, a former Sangguinang Kabataan Federation president in Consolacion, Cebu, with six counts of malversation of public funds.

“The respondent’s continuous and deliberate failure to liquidate her cash advances despite demands is prima facie evidence that she has put the cash advance to her personal use,” read Subaan’s resolution.

The case stemmed from the complaint filed by the ombudsman’s field investigation office, which accused Quimod of malversation of public funds and violations of Art. 218 of the Revised Penal Code (failure of account- able officer to render accounts).

Based on its report, the Commission on Audit said that Quimod was granted six cash advances for her travels to attend seminars from 2003 to 2007 totaling to P66,300. Despite repeated demands, Quimod failed to settle her cash advances, which the ombudsman said constitutes malversation of public funds and failure of accountable officer to render accounts.

Quimod failed to submit her counter-affidavit, prompting the graft investigators to resolve the complaint based on evidence submitted by the complainant.

In the resolution, Subaan ruled that Quimod could be held liable for malversation of public funds, which is punishable under Art. 217 of the Revised Penal Code.

“The public funds for travel granted to and received by the respondent were not liquidated within 30 days,” the resolution read. Based on its report, the Commission on Audit said that SK head was given six cash advances for her travels to attend seminars from 2003 to 2007 totaling P66,300, which she failed to account for.