By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Government officials who divert state-funded gasoline to private vehicles could face the full weight of administrative sanctions, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla warned Thursday as the anti-graft agency cited a Bohol official dismissed over a fuel-use case.
The warning came after the Ombudsman found former Bohol Second District Board Member Vierna Mae Boniel-Maglasang liable for two counts of serious dishonesty over the use of 100 liters of government-allocated gasoline for private vehicles in 2024.
The case originated from a complaint filed by Bohol Third District Board Member Dionisio Joseph Balite.
Aside from dismissal, the Ombudsman ordered the forfeiture of Boniel-Maglasang’s retirement benefits, cancellation of her civil service eligibility and permanent disqualification from public office. She was also barred from taking civil service examinations.
In its ruling, the anti-graft agency said charging government fuel to vehicles outside the authorized system showed an effort to circumvent established accounting and auditing controls for personal or material gain.
Remulla said misuse of public resources damages the credibility of government and warned that similar violations would not be treated lightly.
The Ombudsman specifically cited practices such as taking government gasoline for unauthorized use, having fuel loaded into private vehicles and falsifying supporting receipts as conduct that could trigger severe sanctions.
The case comes as fuel prices remain a major concern, adding urgency to the agency’s warning against the improper use of government petroleum allocations.
The Ombudsman stressed that public officials are expected to observe the highest standards of honesty, accountability and integrity, particularly when handling resources belonging to the government.
Remulla said officials proven to have committed similar violations would face the maximum penalty allowed under the law.
The warning effectively puts government personnel on notice that fuel allocations intended for official operations cannot be treated as a personal benefit—and that violations can carry consequences extending beyond dismissal from public service.
ia/xf
