THE Court of Appeals has dismissed an administrative case for oppression and neglect of duty against Misamis Oriental’s provincial accountant filed by Pilipinas Kao in connection with the issuances of warrants of garnishment against the firm when she was serving as provincial treasurer in 2014.
The CA’s Oct. 24, 2017 decision, signed by Associate Justice Ruben Reynaldo Roxas and concurred by Associate Justices Edgardo Lloren and Ronaldo Martin, acquitted provincial accountant Marilou Mantecajon Rivera from the case for lack of evidence.
The case had resulted in a ombudsman ruling on Aug. 15, 2015 that meted Rivera with a one-year suspension from service. But it was not implemented owing to a temporary restraining order issued by the appellate court. The case was eventually “reversed and set aside” by the CA.
The case stemmed from a complaint of a Jasaan town-based Pilipinas Kao about two capitol warrants of garnishment on its bank deposits. The capitol had asserted that the firm owed the town government of Jasaan and the provincial government taxes.
Pilipinas Kao is a Philippine Economic Zone Authorityegistered Japanese firm operating within the Jasaan Misamis Oriental Economic Zone.
Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano said the case was “a form of harassment.”
“Actually, kami sa LGU dunay katungod sa pagkolekta sa buwis. We considered it as a form of harassment against Marilou,” Emano said.
Pilipinas Kao, according to Emano, owed the province at least P600 million in unpaid taxes.
“Justice has prevailed,” said Emano of the CA’s decision.
He said Rivera’s and the capitol’s actions were anchored on provisions of Local Government Code on local taxation and fiscal matters.
“Wala sila magbayad ug buwis,” said Emano, adding that an substantial increase in local taxes would mean more road projects, medicines, scholarship grants, and better health services.
He added: “Gisumbong na hinuon. Dapat unta tanan miyembro sa (Local Finance Committee) masumbong. Kung buot hunahuna lakip ang lungsod sa Jasaan nga mabulahan niini.” (misor-pio)
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