By Czarina Nicole Ong
Several administrative and criminal raps have been filed against Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairperson and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma before the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) Monday morning due to her alleged financial interest in TECO Philippines, an electronics and appliances firm.
The complaint for violation of Sections 3(e) and (h) of R.A. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and R.A. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Stanards of Public Officials and Employees was filed by Atty. Raymund Palad.
Eisma was also slapped with the administrative complaints of gross misconduct, dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the government.
According to the complaint, Eisma is both the SBMA Chair and stockholder and director of TECO Philippines – an SBMA locator.
She was appointed as SBMA Chair in September, 2017. Only one month after, she issued a Certificate of Registration and Tax Exemption (CRTE) in favor of TECO, which expires on Oct. 24, 2018.
“Being the company’s director, there is no way that Atty. Eisma will not be able to use her own influence and easily utilize information obtained from her being SBMA Chairperson and Administrator to serve the private company’s advantage over government interest in the company’s competitors,” the complaint read.
Palad revealed that Eisma’s name appeared in TECO’s General Information Sheet (GIS) submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on June 16, 2017 as stockholder owning 25 shares of TECO. She was even appointed as member of the company’s board of directors while being the Administrator of SBMA.
As SBMA Chair, Eisma not only issued the CRTEs but also evaluated proposals from all locators, which undeniably included proposals from TECO and sublease proposals and proponents interested to locate within Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
She signs all management-approved proposals, and decides on the endorsed proposals for deliberation and approval of the board.
“Thus, conflict of interest is inevitable,” the complainant stated. “All documents pertinent hereto, especially management-approved term sheets and sub-lease agreements, can be subpoenaed by your office.”