PRESS RELEASE

24​ ​July 2019

Ombudsman orders probe on Customs officials

​ he Office of the Ombudsman has ordered an in-depth investigation into alleged graft and
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corrupt practices perpetrated by officials and employees of the Bureau of Customs which may
lead to criminal and administrative charges.

Under Republic Act No. 6770 (Ombudsman Act of 1989), the Ombudsman as protector of the
people, may investigate and prosecute on its own or on complaint by any person, any act or
omission of any public officer or employee, office or agency, when such act or omission appears
to be illegal, unjust, improper or inefficient.

During the course of its investigation, the Ombudsman may order the preventive suspension of
any officer or employee under his authority, if in his judgment the evidence of guilt is strong, and
(a) the charge against such officer or employee involves dishonesty, oppression or grave
misconduct or neglect in the performance of duty; (b) the charges would warrant removal from
the service; or (c) the respondent’s continued stay in office may prejudice the case filed against
him.

If warranted, the Ombudsman may order the suspension or dismissal from the service of erring
public officials found administratively liable for Grave Misconduct, Gross Neglect of Duty or
Conduct Prejudicial to the Interest of the Service. The penalty of dismissal from the service
carries the accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification from holding public office, forfeiture
of retirement benefits, bar from taking the civil service examination and cancellation of eligibility.
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Public Information and Media Relations Bureau

Office of the Ombudsman
Telephone Number 4267750; 4797300 local 2122
www.ombudsman.gov.ph
Email: ​mediaaffairs@ombudsman.gov.ph