Customs Clerk Sued for Unexplained Wealth
The Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) of the Department of Finance filed graft charges today with the Office of the Ombudsman against an Administrative Aide of the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
In its 15-page complaint, RIPS states that respondent’s cash purchase of a P1,170,000.00 house and lot is grossly disproportionate to her gross monthly salary of P6,460.00.00. It pointed out that even if respondent’s gross annual salary is added from the time she worked as Utility Worker in BOC in 2002 to the present, her cumulative gross salary totaling P829,728.00 would still not be enough for respondent to buy the said property in cash.
In addition to graft charges, RIPS asked the Ombudsman to initiate forfeiture proceedings to confiscate the P1,170,000.
Further, RIPS also asked the Ombudsman to dismiss the respondent from the service, for the cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification for reemployment in the government service.
The case stemmed from an anonymous letter received by RIPS complaining about the extravagant lifestyle of the respondent. An exhaustive investigation and lifestyle check ensued which culminated in the filing of graft charges.
In its call to action, the DOF is encouraging the public to help in its anti-corruption campaign by reporting corrupt practices and extravagant lifestyles of BOC, BIR, Treasurers and DOF employees and officials to www.perangbayan.com.