Is Former Deputy Ombudsman Jalandoni Guilty of Grave Misconduct?

Did public prosecutors tamper with evidence in cases filed before the Office of the Ombudsman during the Arroyo administration?

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales believes some of the anti-graft body’s officials have concealed documents against respondents of several graft and corruption cases.

In a 39-page resolution signed July 25, Morales approved 69 criminal indictments against the following erstwhile Ombudsman officials:

Former Deputy Ombudshman for Luzon Mark Jalandoni; Former Assistant Ombudsman; Nenette De Padua; and Staff Rosalyn Martinez

The cases include 13 counts of falsification of public documents and 56 counts of infidelity in the custody of public documents. This, after a probe found that Jalandoni, inserted his own signature on at least 13 rulings of his superiors.

Martinez and de Padua are involved in the process, which was aimed at making it appear that Jalandoni was the approving authority.

The officials have also been accused of concealing documents including state evidence, affecting probes on graft and malversation cases against:

Former Justice Sec. Hernando Perez; Former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority; Sec. Augusto Syjuco; Senator Alan Peter Cayetano; Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III; Former Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr.; Former Government Service Insurance System chief Winston Garcia; and Former Armed Forces of the Philippines comptroller Jacinto Ligot.

The order also recommended Jalandoni’s dismissal from the service with cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office and ban from taking civil service examinations.

Carpio-Morales made the recommendation for additional penalties despite an earlier complaint against Jalandoni after his resignation in April 2011.

Jalandoni was slapped with a fine equivalent to his one year salary in lieu of dismissal from the service since his resignation.

The former deputy ombudsman’s resignation, Carpio-Morales claimed, “was tainted with bad faith” and was offered to evade disciplinary action.

“[I]t is respectfully recommended that that administrative charges against said respondent be taken cognizance of,” the Ombudsman said.

She asked the Sandiganbayan to hold Jalandoni guilty of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The indicment, Carpio-Morales said, should send a clear message that the Ombudsman is serious in preserving the integrity of the graft-busting body.

“We will not relent in our fight against all forms of anomalies in government, even those committed inside our own office, and even those perpetrated by our own high-ranking officials,” Carpio-Morales assured. 

“As the people’s vanguard against corrupt and abusive public officials, it is imperative that we closely monitor our ranks. As such, Ombudsman officials and employees should be beyond reproach,” she added. /MP