DOJ: File malversation raps vs Arroyo, 3 others

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) recommended the filing of technical malversation cases against former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and 3 others .

The DOJ recommendation, released Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012, is in connection with the alleged misuse of funds of the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Included in the recommendation are former Foreign Affairs secretary Alberto Romulo, Civil Service Commission chair Francisco Duque III, and former OWWA administrator Virgilio Angelo.

Background 

In 2011, former Solicitor General Frank Chavez filed charges against the respondents for violating the Constitution, the plunder law (Republic Act No. 7080), the Revised Penal Code, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019), the Omnibus Election Code, and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713), as well as committing qualified theft.

In his complaint, Chavez said Arroyo and 3 former Cabinet officials misused OWWA funds in 3 ways. These are:

• – the acquisition of vehicles by several diplomatic outposts in the Middle East 
• – the funding of humanitarian assistance to Iraq
• – the funding of Arroyo’s 2004 presidential bid

Chavez said Arroyo ordered former Foreign Affairs Secretary Romulo, through a number of memorandum orders, for the release the OWWA funds.

He also said Arroyo issued executive orders for the transfer of P530-million in OWWA Medicare funds to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., allegedly to promote Arroyo’s candidacy.

He said OWWA funds—built up through the monetary contributions of OFWs and which are held in trust by the government—may not be used for purposes other than that for which the fund was set up. – Rappler.com