Violations of the anti-graft law

Those local officials who travelled abroad, despite the suspension of foreign travels by DILG Secretary Junvic Remulla should read Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Ignorance of the law excuses no one.

- Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez [e-mail]

Section 3 of the law provides that all public officials and personnel are guilty of corrupt practices if, in addition to all acts and omissions already penalized by existing laws, they also commit the acts described under paragraph e of said section, as follows:"(e) Causing any undue injury to any party, including the Government, or giving any private party any unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference in the discharge of his official administrative or judicial functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence."

In the case of Antonio Suba v. Sandiganbayan, GR No 235418, a public official, together with his immediate superior, the evidence found by the Sandiganbayan showed that the two officials travelled abroad without the required travel authority. The information against them said they committed the acts with evident bad faith by willfully and criminally requesting and for allegedly facilitating the processing of and receiving cash advances worth P241,478.68.