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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ombudsman affirms dismissal of BFAR director Escoto

Ombudsman affirms dismissal of BFAR director Escoto

Published Dec 22, 2024 03:49 am

The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) has upheld its decision that ordered the dismissal of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) National Director Demosthenes R. Escoto.

In an eight-page joint order, the OMB denied Escoto’s motion to reconsider its Feb. 5 orders that dismissed him from the service for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the service, and the filing of graft charges against him and his co-accused.

“The assailed Resolution and Decision both dated 5 February 2024 stand,” declared the OMB.

However, the OMB modified its earlier ruling as it declared that Escoto is now perpetually disqualified for re-employment in the government service.

It reiterated that Escoto's dismissal carries with it the cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification to hold public office.

The case stemmed from the 2018 purchase of transmitters and transceivers for the BFAR's Integrated Marine Environment Monitoring System Project Phase II (PHILO Project) which was supposed to enhance the government's capability to safeguard and monitor the country's marine resources and to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities.

The project was awarded to SRT-France, a subsidiary company of SRT-United Kingdom (SRT-UK) incorporated in France.

However, the French government, which granted to the Philippines a loan of €28,520,000 for the project, declared that SRT-France was unqualified under the terms of its loan since SRT-France has no manufacturing or engineering facilities in France. It also has no record of activities in France, and its parent company is incorporated and domiciled in the UK.

“His (Escoto) actions, minute or substantial, were all instrumental in the success of the anomalous scheme that led to the award of the contract to SRT-UK,” declared the OMB.

Related Tags

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Office of the Ombudsman
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