THE recent decision of the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) dismissing immigration employees in connection with the “pastillas scam” underscores that there are no sacred cows in the Duterte Administration.
We welcome this decision as it shows the current government’s zero tolerance policy against corruption in the bureaucracy.
Fighting corruption, however, remains a challenge. We are, therefore, pushing for automation of government systems to avoid face-to-face contact at the same eliminate redundant processes, for effective and efficient delivery of government services.
THE Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of 45 officials and employees of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) implicated in the “pastillas” scheme.
The Ombudsman found them liable for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
“In case the penalty of dismissal from the service can no longer be served due to respondent’s separation from public office, a fine equivalent to one-year salary shall be imposed. Nevertheless, all the accessory penalties of dismissal from the service shall apply,” a consolidated decision signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires on May 27, 2022 said.
Ordered dismissed were Grifton Medina, Erwin Ortañez, Glenn “GC” Comia a.k.a. Glennford Comia, Benlado “Bien” Guevarra, Danieve “Den” Binsol aka “Denden,” Deon Carlo Albao, Arlan Edwand Mendoza, Anthony “Al” Lopez, Cecille Jonathan Orozco, Francis Dennis Robles, Bradford Allen So, Vincent Brayan Allas, Rodolfo “Totoy” Magbuhos, ER German Robin, Gabriel Ernest “Gabe” Estacio, Ralph Ryan “RG” Garcia, Phol “Vexana 3rd” Villanueva, Abdul Fahad “Sharpedge Calaca” Calaca, Danilo Deudor, Mark “Fakehappy” Macababbad, Aurelio “Amboy” Lucero 3rd, George Bituin, Salahudin Hadjinoor, Cherrypie “Chepie” Ricolcol, Chevy Chase Naniong, Carl Jordan Perez, Abdulhafez “HB” Hadjibasher, Jeffrey Dale “Boss Nyepi” Ignacio, Clint John Simene, Asliyah Maruhom, Maria Victoria Jogno, Paul Erik “Liza” Borja aka Paul Borja, Hamza Pacasum, Manuel Sarmiento, 3rd, Fidel Mendoza, Dimple Mahyumi Mallari, Gerrymyle “Gem” Franco, John Michael Angeles, Francis Meeka Flores, Sadruddin Usudan, John Kessler Cortez, Mohammad Sahari Lomondot, Jon Derrick Go, aira Inoue and Rovan Rey Manlapas.
