MANILA – The Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed the dismissal of two officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for their involvement in the misuse of P10 million in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Quezon City 1st District Rep. Vincent “Bingbong” Crisologo.

In a 20-page resolution penned by Associate Justice Ma. Luisa Quijano-Padilla, dated May 31, the appellate court’s Special Fifth Division found Mateo Montaño, DSWD Undersecretary for General Administration and Support Services Group, and Pacita Sarino, Protective Services Bureau Assistant Director, guilty of gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

“Accordingly, they are dismissed from government service with all the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of leave credits and retirement benefits, and disqualification for re-employment in the government service,” the decision stated. 

The decision modified the ruling of the Office of the Ombudsman on June 19, 2017 that found Montaño and Sarino guilty of grave misconduct.

Montaño and Sarino argued that the release of Crisologo’s PDAF in 2009 to Kalookan Assistance Council Inc. (KACI) was above board, but the appellate court found petitioners failed to show proof that KACI underwent the proper procedure for availment, release and utilization of funds under Commission on Audit Circular No. 2007-001.

“[T]here is no showing that KACI underwent the above procedure. There was no bidding or any other selection process conducted,” the decision stated. 

“The acts of petitioners were in clear violation of the rules and regulations of the COA and the General Appropriations Act,” it added. 

The appellate court further pointed out that the disbursement of funds in favor of KACI should not have been approved by the two officials since KACI had existing unliquidated cash advances. 

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