Ombudsman affirms decision to indict former SRA chief

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 22) — The Ombudsman affirmed its earlier decision finding basis to charge former Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) chief Hermenegildo Serafica over farm equipment procurement delays worth ₱5.7 million.

In a resolution, the Ombudsman denied Serafica’s appeal for lack of merit and ordered the filing of charges against him for violation of procurement laws.

“Even assuming, but only for the sake of theoretical argument, that the Board’s deferments had been material, Serafica's claims of such deferments and suspensions is not supported by any evidence on record. His claims rests solely on alleged status reports and excerpts and timelines on SIDA,” the resolution said signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires.

“Procurement including Board discussions which are unsigned, uncertified, unverified, and undated. They are merely spreadsheet printouts the origins and custodians of which cannot be determined by this Office. They are nothing more than mere allegations, at best, which, if unsupported by evidence, cannot be made a basis or ground for reconsideration,” it added.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires approved the resolution on Dec. 23 and a certified true copy was signed on Jan. 10.

“Wherefore, there being no grounds for reconsideration, the 26 September 2023 Joint Resolution, as clarified, is hereby affirmed, in toto,” the order read.

Meanwhile, the charges against Jennifer Marie S. Artates, Brando D. Norona, Erlina J. Abacan, Narciso N. Cabalquinto, Jr., Rosemarie S. Gumera, Resty D. Reano, Marco D. Soriano, and Conception C. Ruby remained dismissed for lack of merit.

In a 21-page joint resolution on Oct. 3, the Ombudsman said Serafica violated Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

READ: Ombudsman orders filing of criminal raps vs. ex-SRA chief Serafica over equipment procurement delay