News update Graft case filed vs Army officer

The Office of the Ombudsman has filed malversation and graft charges against a top officer of the Philippine Army (PA) before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly failing to account P3 million in public funds and for receiving money from two soldier-applicants. The respondent was identified in a four-page complaint signed by Overall Deputy Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro as Maj. Gen. Jose T. Barbieto. Probable cause was found by Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer III Mary Rawnsle V. Lopez against Berbieto requiring the filing of criminal complaints before the graft court. The Charge sheets showed that on December 21, 2007. Barbieto, who was then assigned in Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City as the Commanding General of the PA allegedly received P6 million in 2007 for the "Balik Baril" program. The decision stated that P3 million of the said fund could not be accounted alleging that the general "applied it for his own personal use and benefit to the prejudice of the PA and the government." Two separate criminal charges were also filed before the Sandiganbayan against Barbieto and Staff Sgt. Roseller Echepare for receiving money from two individuals who wanted to join the army. Barbieto and Echepare were charged for violating Section 3B of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for causing undue injury to the interest of the government and to the victims concerned.
Handbook on the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act: Republic Act no. 3019