Customs intelligence chief faces falsification raps

The anti-corruption unit of the Department of Finance (DOF) has just filed dishonesty and falsification charges against a customs officer. The DOF Revenue Integrity Protection Service (DOF-RIPS) filed a 17-page complaint and affidavit on May 5 before the Ombudsman, charging intelligence officer Marissa Rae Rollo Galang —who also currently heads the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS). The DOF-RIPs accused Galang of violating the country's civil service regulations by falsifying her daily time record in May 2007, thereby making it appear that she was at work even though she was allegedly in the Republic of Palau. The unit pointed out that Galang became Budget Officer II in 2001 and has a current annual salary of P308,052.00 or just over P25,600 per month. The DOF-RIPS also said that, for eight years, Galang failed to declare all her real estate properties —including a Quezon City town house acquired by auction in 1993. “The law requires for the full disclosure of wealth in the SALN or Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth. To the extent that Galang has failed to disclose her acquisition of the said townhouse is totally in contravention with the directive of the law regarding full disclosure," the DOF-RIPS said. The unit said that Galang's acquired wealth is disproportionate to her legal compensation, in violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Galang may undergo preventive suspension of up to six months during the investigation, and may face dismissal from public service if proven guilty. — TJD, GMA News