Ombudsman warns vs gov’t fuel use for private vehicles

MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman warned government workers against the use of fuel intended for government vehicles for private units as petroleum prices continued to climb.

The Ombudsman issued the warning following a complaint filed by Bohol Third District Board Member Dionisio Joseph Balite, alleging that Bohol Second District Provincial Board Member Vierna Mae Boniel-Maglasang used 100 liters of gasoline for private vehicles instead of her government vehicle in 2024.

The anti-graft body dismissed Boniel-Maglasang for two counts of serious dishonesty. She is also perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

The decision noted that a public officer is expected to show the highest degree of honesty and accountability, and lack of integrity warrants administrative sanction.

The Ombudsman said Boniel-Maglasang’s action “clearly demonstrates intent to circumvent established accounting and auditing rules which shows an intent to commit material gain, graft and corruption.”

“Acts like this destroy the image of government,” Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement on Thursday.

“Ang mga ganitong gawain—kasama na ang mga higop gasolina, pagkarga sa hindi government vehicle, at pamemeke ng mga resibo—ay hindi ipagsasawalang-bahala ng ahensya,” he added.

The former official lost her government eligibility and was prohibited from taking civil service examinations. The Ombudsman also ordered the forfeiture of her retirement benefits.

Remulla said government officials found guilty of the same actions would face the harshest penalty in accordance with the law.