Public post not a lucrative business; SC reminds candidates, gov't execs

“only those who can live up to such exacting standards deserve the honor of continuing in public service.”

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“Sadly, the presence of corrupt public officials who continuously cling like a leech on their seats in public office is a complete and utter travesty. There are undeserving public servants who utterly defied their oath and violated their duty not only to the Constitution but also to the public,” the High Tribunal said.

The SC’s reminder, exhortation, and lamentation were contained in a decision that affirmed the conviction of former Dapitan City mayor Joseph Cedrick O. Ruiz for corruption and misuse of almost P1 million in confidential and intelligence funds.

The decision written by Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando upheld the Sandiganbayan’s ruling that found Ruiz guilty of graft and malversation of public funds.

In a summary of the decision, the SC’s Office of the Spokesperson said that Ruiz served as city mayor from 1998 to 2001. Weeks before the end of his term, he ordered Deputy Chief of Police Pepe Nortal to request a cash advance of P1 million, representing the city's entire 2001 confidential funds supposedly for post-election violence.