Ombud orders dismissal of Tancinco, 2 others

The Office of the OmbudsmanVisayas has ordered the dismissal of Arnel Tancinco, former Land Transportation Office (LTO)-7 officer-in-charge and now Mayor Tomas Osmeña's executive assistant, over alleged illegal solicitation.

Graft investigation and prosecution officer III Philip Camiguing found Tancinco and two LTO-7 employees namely Cecile Jinky Estrada, acting finance officer of LTO-7; and Aden Belza, acting administrative officer, guilty of grave misconduct.

“Complainant's positive assertions carry more weight as against respondents' mere denial. This office finds complainant's narration of events more credible than respondent's string of denials,” the decision stated.

Aside from dismissal from service, Camiguing also ordered the cancellation of the respondents' eligibility, forfeiture of their retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and bar from taking civil service examination.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Carmenia Caballes, assigned as evaluator of the Manufacturer, Assembler, Importer, Dealers System (MAIDS) at LTO-7 in Cebu City.

Caballes said respondents committed grave misconduct and a violated Section 7(d) of Republic Act 6713 or Code of Conduct and ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees for allegedly causing illegal solicitation and/or indirect acceptance of money from LTO-7 clients.

The illegal solicitation, she added resulted into a total collection of P274,000.

Caballes alleged that she received money from clients upon instructions of Belza, remitted the cash to Estrada who forwarded the collections to Tancinco.

Respondents, in their counter-affidavit, denied the allegations filed against them. They alleged these were fabricated.

With the foregoing facts, Camiguing ruled in favor of the complainant. He said there was sufficient evidence to hold respondents administratively and criminally liable.

“…respondents' claim that the filing of the complaint is a mere retaliatory action and the allegations therein are fabricated could be best passed upon during the full blown trial of this case,” read the resolution.

Camiguing recommended the filing of a case against the respondents before the court after finding probable cause, which was approved by Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Paul Elmer Clemente.

Mylen P. Manto/MBG