Rabusa immune from prosecution – Ombudsman

MANILA, Philipines – Citing the immunity granted him under the justice department’s Witness Protection Program, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales dismissed plunder and graft charges against retired Col George Rabusa for the conversion of military funds.

Rabusa, a former military budget officer, openly admitted to his involvement in various corrupt practices in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He exposed, among others, the practice of “conversion” and “pabaon” system in the military. Conversion is the practice of producing bogus receipts and items to facilitate the release of cash.

As state witness, he offered to expose retired and incumbent military officers involved in corruption.

The complaint against Rabusa was filed by Arturo Besana, a resident auditor of the Commission on Audit (COA) assigned at the AFP General Headquarters from 1 December 1994 to 29 June 1995. Besana’s co-complainant was Maj. Ernesto Angulo.

The complainants also questioned Rabusa’s qualification as state witness. Besana said Rabusa availed of the government’s Witness Protection Program to escape punishment. Besana described Rabusa as the “brains” behind the “conversion” system. 

But Ombudsman Morales said they cannot question the justice department’s decision to accept Rabusa as state witness. The 13-page resolution dismissing charges against Rabusa said the Supreme Court had vested in the DOJ “the power to determine who can qualify as a witness in the program and who shall be granted immunity from prosecution.”

The resolution was approved on February 27, 2013. – with reports from Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler.com