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PRESIDENTIAL ANTI-GRAFT COMMISSION (PAGC)

PRESS RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 26, 2006 

PALACE DISMISSES NATIONAL DEFENSE ASSEC. FOR GRAFT 

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced the dismissal from office of National Defense Assistant Secretary for Internal Audit Ricardo San Andres for violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.  

San Andres’ discharge was based on the recommendation submitted by the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission headed by Chairman Constancia de Guzman. Finding a prima facie evidence against the respondent, anti-graft body charged San Andres last March 10, 2006. 

Investigation showed that on April 20, 2005, San Andres signed a Memorandum of Agreement with European Commission to assist in the implementation of the Health Sector Reform Agenda, therefore contracting him as an employee within 50 days or from July 16 to October 31, 2005. Under this, San Andres should be considered on leave without pay in DND, shall not earn any leave credits and should not be entitled for any promotion during the period.  

After due evaluation, PAGC probers discovered that the respondent collected his salaries, Representation and Transportation Allowance (RATA) and Extraordinary Miscellaneous Expenses (EME). Records confirmed that San Andres filed his leave applications on Sept. 13-16 and Sept. 21-23, 2005, beyond the reglementary period, including his leave for Oct. 24-28, 2005 to justify his collection of benefits from the defense department.  

Aside from dismissal, San Andres was also slapped with perpetual disqualification to hold public office, cancellation of eligibility and forfeiture of all government financial benefits.   

“PAGC will not be intimidated by any official who breaks the law. This should serve as a warning that the government is serious about purging corruption and will not hesitate to penalize individuals involved in any form of corruption”, de Guzman said.  

President Arroyo approved the decision through Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita last Sept. 22, 2006. It was the third time President Arroyo re-affirmed the recommendation of PAGC. #

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