MIRIAM TO OMBUDSMAN: PROBE MELAMINE SMUGGLING

“That is part of the Ombudsman’s function of general investigation and monitoring,” she said.

Santiago said that in particular, the Ombudsman should investigate the “apparent complicity or incompetence” of the customs deputy commissioner for enforcement, the chief of the intelligence and investigation services, and the chief of the national customs police.

Santiago issued the instructions during the public hearing on the budget yesterday morning.

She also directed the Ombudsman to provide her with a list of high government officials or highly publicized public figures who have been charged, investigated, and prosecuted.

In the same hearing, Santiago asked Commissioner on Human Rights Leila de Lima to account for cash advances of some P23 million which were unliquidated as of 31 December 2007.

De Lima said that the cash advances included foreign travel, including 12 foreign trips last 2007 by former Com. Purificacion Quisumbing.

Santiago also questioned why there is a provision in the CHR budget of P7 million for subsidies and donations both in 2007 and 2008.

At the same hearing, Santiago asked ARMM Gov. Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan to account for unliquidated cash advances, including: P269 million in Basilan; P152 million in Sulu, P800,000 in Lanao del Sur, P31.6 million for Tawi-Tawi; and P78 million in Marawi City.

She asked the ARMM governor to furnish a complete physical inventory of plants, properties, and equipment in connection with which P242 million remains unaccounted for.

Santiago also pointed out that contrary to law, no public bidding was made for office supplies and equipment amounting to P52 million in Lanao del Sur, and amounting to P800 million in Marawi City.

The senator sid that ARMM schools remained the “worst performers” in the National Achievement Test for Grade 6 pupils, and asked the ARMM governor to arrange for construction of new classrooms.