Ombudsman affirms dismissal of officials from Commission on Muslim Filipinos for involvement in  P3.8m PDAF scam

June 19, 2017

The Office of the Ombudsman has affirmed the dismissal of five executives from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) for their complicity in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam. In a statement Monday, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has affirmed the dismissal and perpetual disqualification from public office of Secretary/Commissioner Mehol Sadain, Director III Galay Makalinggan, Acting Chief Accountant Fedelina Aldanese, Acting Chief Aurora Aragon-Mabang, and Cashier Olga Galido. Respondents were found guilty of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.   In case of separation from the service, the penalty is convertible to a fine equivalent to respondent’s one year salary. The NCMF officials are also facing trial before the Sandiganbayan for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (anti-graft and corrupt practices act) for the anomalous utilization of the PDAF of former Maguindanao Representative Simeon Datumanong, who passed away in February 2017. In its order, Morales ruled “it has been proven that respondents participated in the preparation and execution of the MOA on the implementation of Datumanong’s PDAF-funded projects covered by the SARO.” The Ombudsman added  “respondents miserably failed to measure up to the procurement policy standards when they failed to strictly comply with the Government Procurement Reform Act.” DMS