SC disqualifies ex-NEDA chief from holding public office over ZTE deal
FORMER National Economic and Development Authority director general Romulo Neri was perpetually disqualified from holding in any public office after he was found guilty by the Supreme Court for misconduct in the once-controversial $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal with China’s ZTE Corp.
The decision of the SC 3rd Division was promulgated last July 5, but was made public last November 11. It reversed the Aug. 21, 2009 ruling of the Office of the Ombudsman which found Neri guilty of misconduct and imposed on him a six-month suspension without pay as NEDA director general.
On Neri’s appeal, the CA modified the OMB’s ruling as it declared him guilty of simple misconduct and imposed on him a fine equivalent to his six months salaries. He elevated the case to the SC.
“Petitioner Romulo Neri is dismissed from service, which includes the necessary penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of leave credits and retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from reemployment in the government service,” the SC said.
“Petitioner… maintains that he cannot be held accountable because he was only a part of the collegial body that approved the deal.
“We cannot accept this argument. As part of the Board of the National Economic and Development Authority, petitioner cannot pass on his liability to the President. His vote and opinion on the matter must be viewed separately from the President’s,” the SC said.
