OMB approves charges vs. Surigao's Matugas in 2022 fund misuse case

The Office of the Ombudsman has approved the filing of charges against former Surigao del Norte governor Francisco T. Matugas and a former provincial budget officer over the alleged misuse of government funds worth more than P60 million in 2022.

Investigators found probable cause to indict Matugas and Ma. Myrla S. Padayhag, then officer-in-charge of the provincial budget office, for the unauthorized transfer and use of funds originally appropriated for disaster management programs.

According to the Ombudsman, at least P20 million from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) was diverted to purchase educational materials instead of being used for its intended purpose. An additional P43 million from the same fund was also funneled to various DepEd divisions, allegedly without proper authorization.

The Ombudsman noted that the Local Government Code provides for funds to be used for the purpose they are appropriated for and cited the absence of any ordinance that allowed the realignment of the funds.

"The realignment and disbursement of funds amounting to a total of P60 Million used in the procurement of the DRR-CCA mainstreamed learning materials and the supplementary learning materials had no basis," the Ombudsman's office stated.

Other officials included in the original complaint were cleared of wrongdoing.

Matugas is currently the representative from Surigao del Norte's 1st congressional district, having assumed office on 30 June.