The Fall Guy

Hole of Justice

By Peter G. Jimenea

The Fall Guy

In the first quarter of 2010, an employee of the Iloilo City Treasurer’s Office (ICTO), Mr. Christoper Ching, was reported missing with the P2.3M of taxpayers’ money. It is widely believed, however, that he is a mere fall guy.

It was only found out after the city employees complained to COA about their delayed salaries. Thus, the Commission on Audit (COA), decided to visit the ICTO only to discover that another P25M in cash was also missing.

Sad to say Ching doesn’t want to talk anymore. He disappeared leaving us groping in the dark on who is the mastermind of this mess he’s in. On why he refused to stay and clear himself, we have yet to know.

But rumors from the ICTO tell of the amount embezzled by him is not only P2.3M but P27.3M In short, the missing P25M was also slapped to him to save someone’s ass.

The P25M was not missing. It’s just roaming around and changing hands within the parameter of the city hall under the direction of one with close-link to the chief occupant of the kingdom.

Culprits may deny it, but God knows the P25M cash is used to buy the delayed salaries of poor city employees. Those in dire need are forced to sell their pay slip on a discounted rate. True, vultures breed during crisis.

What’s more, the undesirable underling tapped by the mastermind to run her God forbidden business, has also a stink in her closet. She is publicly known in the city as the power pilfering queen.

It was only a misfortune for colluders in ICTO that COA invaded their office without prior notice. The surprise raid of COA resulted to the discovery of that missing P25M in city treasurer’s office.

If we take a careful look at the records of the city government, it can drive an honest city employee to the brink of insanity. It seems that the city hall under the stewardship of a studious mayor has been overrun by crooks!

The deliberately delay of employees salaries was going on for years but the mayor is silent about it. Surely, no man in his right senses would kill the duck that lays golden eggs. Thus, critics say he overtly professed what he covertly undertakes.

We understand why then mayor, now Congressman Trenas was very silent about this lingering mess in employee salaries. He surely knew that in this equation, the suffering of one profits the other!

It was only a misfortune for Ching who acquiesced to the advice of ICTO colluders to run away to save face. Now, his P2.3M shortage has ballooned to P27.3M. This is what he gets for being stupid!

He plays an actor in a role he cannot fully understand. He failed to see that it took years for the boss to master the OPM, the art of making easy-money using other people’s mind. This injustice to taxpayers is a crime that cries to God for vengeance!

Had Ching stayed to tell the truth, he could have been exonerated from this unwanted mess. It’s true, vigilante prospiciunt jura -the law protects him who is watchful of his rights. (Salao vs. Salao, 70 SCRA 65).

Lowly city hall employees are most sorely tempted to steal but don’t. What a shame. To date, we heard no more about Ching and the missing P25M cash. It is written though, qui peccat ebrius luat sobrius – he who offends when drunk shall be punished when sober!