By Christian Dee
MAYNILA – Naghain ng karagdagang kaso ng plunder, graft, malversation of public funds, grave misconduct, at dishonesty ang Department of Justice nitong araw, Pebrero 6, laban sa suspendidong Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag at iba pang mga opisyal ng kawanihan.
Sina C/Insp. Ric Rocabura, CO1 Solomon Areniego, CTO1 Jor-el de Jesus, CTO2 Angelo Castillo, at CTO Alexis Catindig ang ilan pang mga opisyal na sinampahan ng kaso ng DOJ kasabay ni Bantag.
Ang mga reklamong plunder at graft ay inihain nitong Lunes ni acting head ng Bureau of Corrections na si retired general Gregorio Catapang Jr, kasama ang mga sumusunod:
- 11 bilang ng malversation through falsification of official documents
- 11 bilang ng graft
- 11 bilang ng paglabag ng Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officers and Employees
- Administrative cases para sa grave misconduct, dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the interest of the service
Kasabwat umano, ayon sa isang dokumento ng DOJ, sina Bantag at ang lima pang opisyal sa “unlawful and malicious falsification of official documents that resulted in the misappropriation” ng pondo ng BuCor na nagkakahalagang P1 milyon, na nakalaan para sa pagpapatayo ng tatlong pasilidad sa Davao Prison and Penal Farm, Ihawig Prison and Penal Farm sa Palawan at ng Leyte Regional Prison.
“Respondent Bantag, in conspiracy with, and with indispensable complicity of, the other herein respondents, has purposely and systematically orchestrated the diversion/misappropriation and/or consenting or permitting other persons, to take public funds, of the Bureau of Corrections,” saad sa complaint-affidavit.
“Such dishonest acts of altering, concealing, or distorting the truth on matter relevant to their office, or connected with the performance of their duties, caused serious damage and great prejudice to the government,” dagdag pa nito.