Euro Generals scandal

The Euro Generals Scandal involves Eliseo de la Paz and several Philippine National Police officials who went to Russia on October 2008 to attend the Interpol conference. De la Paz was detained for carrying a large sum of undeclared money.

Details of the Scandal

Eight police officers and Eliseo de la Paz along with the spouses of some police officials and General Jesus Versoza went to Russia to attend the International Police Conference last October 2008.

Former PNP comptroller Eliseo de la Paz and his wife were briefly detained and interrogated at the Moscow international airport for carrying an undeclared 105,000 euros or P6.9 million in cash.[1]

Investigation

On November 19, 2008, the House Committee on Public Order and Safety launched its own investigation into the "euro generals". Nueva Ecija Representative Rodolfo Antonino, panel chairman, said that the panel has sent out invitations to all police officers who went to Russia, retired national Police comptroller Eliseo de la Paz and Local Governments Secretary Ronaldo Puno. Also invited were Budget and Management Secretary Rolando Andaya and a senior representative from the Commission on Audit.[2] The panel is also reviewing reports of the Philippine National Police and the Napolcom.[1]

Findings

A team of investigators led by Assistant Ombudsman Joselito Fangon has recommended the filing of graft charges against former Philippine National Police (PNP) comptroller Eliseo de la Paz and his colleagues.[3]

The investigators also recommended the filing of similar charges against former PNP Director General Avelino Razon Jr. and several top officials including Samuel Rodriguez, Orlando Pestaño, Tomas Rentoy III, Elmer Pelobello, Romeo Ricardo, Emmanuel Carta, Ismael Rafanan, German Doria, Silverio Alarcio Jr., and Jaime Caringal.[3]

Based on their findings however, investigators said the amount came from “private funds.”

The team said the PNP officials violated section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The Field Investigation Office anchored its recommendations on an alleged violation of Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, or malversation of funds.

The FIO recommended the filing of several criminal and administrative charges against several of the respondents.

The recommended charges were falsification of public documents, prolonging of performance of duties, violation of the passport law, obstruction of the apprehension and prosecution of criminal offenders, perjury, and violation of the New Central Bank Act.[4]

Charges

In 2010, the office of the Ombudsman filed graft charges against twelve former and active ranking PNP officials for their alleged involvement in the incident.[5][6]

References

  1. 1 2 Martin, Sammy (2008-11-14). "House to push probe on 'euro generals'". The Manila Times. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  2. ↑ "House to probe 'euro generals' scandal, too". ABS-CBN News. 2008-11-19. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  3. 1 2 "After 2 years, Euro generals' case moves". Nation. ABS-CBN News. 2010-08-13. Retrieved 2010-08-24.
  4. ↑ Alave, Kristine L. and Alcuin Papa (2010-08-13). "Ombudsman says ‘euro generals’ lied". Inquire Healines/Nation. Inquirer.net. Retrieved 2010-08-24.
  5. ↑ Kristine L. Alave, Alcuin Papa, Ombudsman says ‘euro generals’ lied, Philippine Daily Inquirer, August 13, 2010.
  6. ↑ Michael Punongbayan, 'Euro generals' charged with graft, The Philippine Star, August 13, 2010.
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