CA upholds Ombudsman's dismissal of ex-CHR commissioner

The Court of Appeals has affirmed the dismissal of former Commission on Human Rights commissioner Cecilia Rachel "Coco" Quisumbing, who was accused of getting an employee's salary increase differential in exchange for a promotion.

In an eight-page decision penned by Associate Justice Jane Aurora Lantion,  the CA’s Special Sixth Division dismissed the petition filed Quisumbing contesting a September 2014 Office of the Ombudsman ruling that found her guilty of grave misconduct and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

“Considering that mere acceptance of anything of monetary value in connection with the functions of a public office is prohibited act under Section 7(d) of R.A. No. 6713, no error can be imputed to the Ombudsman who found petitioner Quisumbing guilty under the said law,” the CA ruled.

“It is well-settled that findings of fact and conclusions by the Office of the Ombudsman are conclusive when supported by substantial evidence, as in the present petition. Thus, we find no reason to overturn the [Ombudsman’s] assailed decision," it added.

Aside from Lantion, Associate Justices Fernanda Lampas Peralta and Carmelita Salandanan Manahan also concurred in the ruling.

The charges stemmed from a complaint filed by Quisumbing’s former staff member Regina Eugenio.

Eugenio alleged that Quisimbing had her promoted but kept the additional salary intended for her new salary grade, an offense that the Ombudsman deemed punishable by dismissal.

In July 2013, after more than four years of working for Quisumbing as administrative aide IV, Eugenio resigned, saying she could no longer bear being maltreated and humiliated by the former CHR commissioner.

Eugenio then decided to file a complaint against Quisumbing.

Quisumbing had earlier claimed that all charges against her were false.

She said there were "disgruntled dismissed staff members who had shown a propensity for dishonesty, unwillingness to follow standard and reasonable procedure, resentment for being corrected for misbehavior, insubordination and non-performance of their jobs.”

Quisumbing admitted that she sometimes lost her temper with her staff and that her treatment of them was “not as respectful as it should be."

She, however, said that she “always apologized.” -NB, GMA News