Degamo’s Suspension to be Extended?

Another dismissal order has been issued once more by the Office of the Ombudsman against Negros Oriental Government Roel Degamo. His suspension as governor is said to be extended due to the alleged odd release of PHP 10 million worth of the provincial government’s intelligence fund back in 2013.

Degamo’s Suspension

The suspension of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo made action starting from October 2017 and ending on January 2018. The 90 days (3 months) suspension was based on the case filed against the governor on the violation of Article 217 in accordance with Article 171 and 48 for malversation of public funds through falsification a.k.a. the Revised Penal Code.

But with the recent dismissal order, Degamo might not be able to sit on his chair again for at least another few months. The case filed against him might cause him the extension of his suspension as governor of Negros Oriental.

10 Million Calamity Funds Lost?

According to the Ombudsman’s Office, their investigation has revealed that Degamo made a government’s proposed budget for 2013 which included a PHP 10 million worth for calamity funds to the Sangguniang Panglalawigan (Provincial Board). A memorandum on the released of the P10 million intelligence fund “without further delay” was issued by Degamo back on the 15^th of April 2013.

Records show that the next day, a cash advance for the payment of expenses of different activities related to intelligence operation in the amount of P10 million was released to Governor Degamo,” said the ombudsman.

To whether Degamo will have an extension to his suspension, only the Provincial Board, Government heads and the court can the decision. Meanwhile, Vice Governor Edward Mark Macias is doing his job to fill in the empty chair of the governor.