Select Page

Former mayor Wilson Nandang of Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur, is set to face charges for 10 counts each of violation of Articles 217 (Malversation of Public Funds) and 218 (Failure of Accountable Officer to Render Accounts) of the Revised Penal Code (RPC).

Documents show that Nandang received 10 cash advances for travel expenses from January 2011 to August 2011 totalling P1,250,000.00.  Despite demand from the Commission on Audit (COA), respondent failed to liquidate and account for the cash advances.

Under COA Circular No. 97-002, cash advances for local travels must be liquidated within 30 days upon return to official station.

Under Article 217 of the RPC, Malversation is committed by any public officer who, by reason of the duties of office, is accountable for public funds, and appropriates the same or takes  or misappropriates public funds, wholly or partially.

On the other hand, Article 218 of the RPC is committed by any public officer, whether in the service or separated therefrom, who is required by law or regulation to render account to the provincial auditor and who fails to do so for a period of two months after such accounts should be rendered. ###