Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has ordered the dismissal from the service of 12 government officials for their alleged involvement in the anomalous utilization of former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile’s Priority Development Assistant Fund (PDAF).
Ordered dismissed were Jessica Lucila Reyes and Jose Antonio Evangelista, chief of staff and deputy chief of staff, respectively, of then Sen. Enrile.
Victor Roman Cacal of the National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR); Gondelina Amata, Chita Jalandoni, Emmanuel Sevidal, Ofelia Ordonez, Filipina Rodriguez and Sofia Cruz of the National Livelihood Development Corporation (NLDC); Dennis Cunanan, Consuelo Espiritu and Marivic Jover of the Technology Resource Center (TRC).
They were found guilty of grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and dishonesty.
The dismissal order carries with it the accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification from holding public office and forfeiture of all retirement benefits. (Jun Ramirez)