BY DAVE SUAN ALBARADO

The Ombudsman has received a comprehensive complaint alleging graft, misconduct, and dishonesty against the governor and vice governor of Bohol, plunging provincial politics into another corruption scandal.

Board Member Vierna Mae “Mimi” Boniel-Maglasang filed the complaint against Governor Aris Aumentado and the vice governor.

The 23-page complaint, a copy of which was obtained by The Bohol Tribune, details a series of alleged violations, including the illegal use of public funds and property, grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

Vehicle Re-Assignment Sparks Controversy

The controversy revolves around the purchase of 14 vehicles intended for the use of Sangguniang Panlalawigan members and the vice governor’s office. 

Boniel-Maglasang claims that despite her office being included in the resolution approving the purchase, the vehicle assigned to her was re-assigned to the vice governor and later to the governor without her knowledge or consent.

“After the approval of the Resolution, the procurement of the fourteen (14) units of Nissan Navarra 4×4 pickups was consummated and the corresponding notices, prior to delivery of the vehicles, were sent to my fellow Board Members, except my office,” Boniel stated in her complaint-affidavit.

Boniel alleges that she made several verbal inquiries regarding the delivery of the vehicle, but no explanation was given. 

She later found out that the vehicle was re-assigned to Vice Governor Balite, who eventually passed it on to Governor Aumentado.

Privilege Speech and Letters of Complaint

Feeling “disappointed and discriminated,” Boniel used her privilege speech on March 21, 2023, at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session to call attention to the issue. 

However, despite the vice governor’s assurance to take action, her office waited in vain as no action was ever taken.

Boniel then wrote a letter dated May 12, 2023, to Vice Governor Balite and another letter to the head of the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO) requesting the release of the vehicle. The vice governor sent a reply dated May 18, 2023, apologizing for the delay but stating that the vehicle could no longer be delivered as its use was already requested by Governor Aumentado via text messaging on May 6, 2023.

Accusations of Harassment and Discrimination

BM Boniel claims that since she demanded the delivery of the service vehicle, her office has been subjected to “subtle forms of harassments,” including the non-renewal of job orders for field personnel, withholding of PHP2.5 million from the Provincial Development Investment Program (PDIP), and another PHP1 million donation for sociocultural activities, both allocations intended for each Board Member.

“Since I demanded the delivery of the service vehicle for my office, our office has been subjected to subtle forms of harassments,” Maglasang stated in her complaint. “These actions of Respondents are evidence of their ill motive and intent against the members of the immediately preceding administration.”

Accusations of Graft and Corrupt Practices

Boniel accuses Governor Aumentado and Vice Governor Balite of violating Article 220 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes the illegal use of public funds or property. 

She argues that all the elements of the crime of technical malversation are present in this case.

“It cannot be denied that all the elements of the crime of technical malversation are present in this complaint,” Boniel stated. “Respondents herein are the incumbent Governor and Vice Governor of the Province of Bohol. The subject of this complaint is a public property acquired by the Province of Bohol through the approval by the PGBh of the Resolution No. 2020-070 specifically for use of the Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bohol and Office of the Vice Government.”

Boniel also accuses the officials of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. She argues that the respondents acted with “manifest partiality, evident bad faith, or gross inexcusable negligence” and caused “undue injury” to the government.

Accusations of Grave Misconduct and Dishonesty

The complaint further alleges that Governor Aumentado and Vice Governor Balite are liable for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. 

Boniel cites their failure to disclose the truth about the vehicle’s whereabouts and their alleged harassment of her office.

“Respondents clearly acted with grave misconduct when they used their station or character to procure some benefit as both Governor and Vice Governor of PGBh,” Maglasang said. “Their action of not disclosing to us the truth about who is in possession of the subject vehicle legally allocated to our office manifests their disposition to lie, cheat, deceive or defraud, their untrustworthiness; lack of honesty, probity, or integrity in principle; lack of fairness and straightforwardness and disposition betray our office and the public which our office represents.”

Violation of Ethical Standards

Boniel also accuses the officials of violating Section 4(A)(c) of Republic Act No. 6713, or the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.” 

She argues that public officials and employees are expected to act with integrity, justice, and accountability, but the respondents prioritized their personal interests and grudges instead.

“Respondents have tarnished the image and integrity of their public office since public officials and employees are expected at all times be accountable to the people and shall discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty, act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives, and uphold public interest over personal interest,” Boniel said.

Ombudsman to Investigate

The Ombudsman’s office has yet to comment on the complaint. 

Under Philippine law, the Ombudsman has the power to investigate and prosecute public officials for corrupt practices. 

If found guilty, the officials could face penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment and disqualification from holding public office.

Governor’s Side

Governor Aumentado could not be immediately reached for comment. His office has not yet issued any statements in response to the allegations.

President’s Anti-Corruption Drive

The complaint comes amid a crackdown on corruption by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has vowed to rid the government of graft and corrupt practices. 

In his inaugural address, Marcos stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions.

“We will not mince words in describing the state of our bureaucracy: it is bloated, it is inefficient, it is prone to corruption,” Marcos said in his speech. “We will review and eliminate redundancies, streamline processes, and improve delivery of services.”