The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chairperson Atty. Richard Palpal-latoc and three others for allegedly claiming travel allowances during a trip that was already funded by a donor.
Charged with Palpal-latoc were CHR General Administration Office director IV Onesimo Cuyco, Accounting Division chief Maria Teresa Dolor and Russel Mani, whose designation was not immediately clear as his name does not appear on the CHR’s website.
The four respondents were accused of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and of Gross Misconduct in connection with their alleged role in processing the travel claims.
Stated in a portion of the complaint, it was noted that the case against the CHR officials were filed to the Ombudsman with the goal of initiating a preliminary investigation.
In the meantime, the NBI legal team disclosed that the case against Palpal-latoc and his co-accused stemmed from the CHR chief’s attendance in the 54th International Institute of Human Rights Summer School 2025 which expenses the respondent asked reimbursed.
However, the expenses for airfare, accommodation, meals and subsistence for the month-long training event had already been shouldered by the German organization Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.
NBI noted that Palpal-latoc’s claim for daily subsistence allowance and representation expenses for the trip despite the costs already paid for by a donor, violated Executive Order No. 77, which “specifically disallows representation expenses for officials attending trainings or travelling on donor-funded trips.”
Moreover, the NBI found that the disbursement voucher contained “no disclosure of the foreign donor” and it was supported with the program agenda for a different event.
In the case of Mani, the NBI revealed that he was the one who certified as complete, the supporting documents of the voucher. Meanwhile, Dolor certified that funds were available and Cuyco approved the voucher for payment.
In response to the allegations, CHR spokesperson and commissioner Beda Epres stated that the commission is “aware of (the) information circulating online” even as she added that the CHR “recognizes the seriousness of these concerns, particularly as they relate to the responsible use of public funds and the accountability expected of government officials.”
Epres assured the public that the commission remains “guided by the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability.” “
“At this time, the CHR has not received any formal complaint concerning the allegations. Nevertheless, the Commission recognizes the importance of establishing the facts through appropriate processes, consistent with applicable government accounting and auditing rules and the requirements of due process. The CHR remains committed to ensuring that the concerns raised are addressed through the proper channels and will provide further information as appropriate,he asserted.
