Minda official faces graft, corruption raps

AN official of the Office of Finance and Administrative Services of Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) in Davao City is facing charges before the Sandiganbayan for graft and corruption.

The Office of the Ombudsman in Mindanao has found probable cause to charge Charlita Escaño, director of the Finance and Administrative Services of Minda, for violation of the Republic Act 3019 or The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Investigation showed that Escaño allowed her husband, Engr. Allan Escaño, a non-Minda employee, to participate in the Basic Occupational Safety and Health Course for Construction Officers held at Ritz Hotel in Davao City from March 16 to 20 in 2015.

Records revealed that the Minda paid P30,000 representing the registration fee for five participants, but only four employees attended with Allan, a private individual, replacing Engr. Renato Buhat, Jr. who was unavailable to attend the seminar.

Charlita, in her counter-affidavit, claimed that she was informed that the refund is not allowed for any cancelled attendance, and as replacement for Buhat, she invited her husband to attend the seminar and the organizers allowed it.

In the Ombudsman resolution, it was determined that the accused gave unwarranted benefit, advantage or preference to her husband, by causing his inclusion in the training in lieu of Buhat for which the Minda already paid the registration fee.