Sandiganbayan convicts DENR exec for failure to name his wife

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — After less than a year of trial, prosecutors from the Office of the Ombudsman secured the conviction of Jacob Miemban, Jr., Director III of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Miembran was convicted of Perjury and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and was sentenced to imprisonment of one month to one year. He was also ordered to pay a fine of P5,000.00.

Records show that Miemban failed to disclose the name of his wife in his 2007 Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.

As defense, the accused claimed that “it [is] a matter of public knowledge that his wife already reverted to using her maiden name, which would allow him to write [not applicable].”

“The court does not give credence to his claim. As Director III of the DENR, and a public officer, he is expected to be mindful of this matter, and to live up to the highest standard of service,” stated the Decision.

It added that “a person aspiring to public office must observe honesty, candor and faithful compliance with the law. Nothing less is expected. This ideal standard ensures that only those of known probity, competence and integrity are called to the challenge of public service.”

Perjury is the willful and corrupt assertion of a falsehood under oath or affirmation administered by authority of law on a material matter, The Sandiganbayan stressed.-Jiann A. Padillo/Newsline.ph