Taberna files theft rap vs former employee

BROADCAST journalist Antonio “Ka Tunying” Taberna Jr. on Wednesday filed a qualified theft complaint against his former employee Ernie Patrick Aquino and a bank employee before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

Aquino, who was the finance head of Taberna Foods (Tunying’s Café) allegedly conspired with Gualberto Baluyut 2nd, East West Banking Corp.-UP Village branch manager, to steal from Taberna over P15 million.

Taberna said the alleged theft was uncovered after several checks issued by the company in November last year bounced despite supposed availability of funds.

It was discovered that Aquino was able to open seven accounts in the same branch under the company’s name without the required secretary’s certificate or board resolution.

“Surprisingly, despite the lack of authority and supporting documents, respondent Baluyut still allowed the opening of these accounts in clear violation of existing banking regulations,” Taberna said in his 11-page complaint-affidavit submitted to Assistant City Prosecutor Nicasio Rosales.

As finance head, Aquino was responsible for handling the payroll, sales and financial documents of the company.

“As a result of this carefully planned scheme, Aquino and Baluyut were able to steal a total of P15, 381, 644.09 from the company constituting 175 counts of qualified theft,” Taberna said.

To cover up his crime, Aquino deceived the company’s board of directors by presenting bank statements reflecting millions of pesos to make it appear that the company still had sufficient funds.