Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has ordered a 6-month preventive suspension of 25 high-ranking officials of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The officials face charges of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the interest of the service for alleged irregularities in cash advances totalling over P 67.5 million.
The fund was supposedly used to buy office supplies and information technology equipment without complying with procurement regulations.
The respondents allegedly presented spurious liquidation documents.
The Ombudsman is using the April 15, 2015 report of the Commission on Audit as basis for the cases.
The respondents include Vice Admiral Rodolfo Isorena, Rear Admiral William Melad, Rear Admiral Cecil Chen and Commodores Enrico Efren Evangelista Jr. and Aaron Reconquista.