NBI files graft raps vs CHR chair, 3 others

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation on Friday filed a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman against Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chair Richard Palpal-latoc and three others for allegedly claiming travel allowances for a monthlong overseas seminar that was already funded by a donor.

The other subjects of the complaint were General Administration Office Director IV Onesimo Cuyco, Accounting Division chief Maria Teresa Dolor and Russel Mani.

Mani’s designation was not immediately clear as his name does not appear on the CHR’s website.

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READ: NBI files graft complaint vs CHR chair, 3 others

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Prohibited claims

The Inquirer reached out to NBI Director Melvin Matibag to ask what prompted the investigation and the amount involved, but he did not respond.

Matibag only mentioned that the agency will hold a press conference on Monday.

All four are being accused of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and for Gross Misconduct in connection with their alleged role in processing the travel claims.

READ: Duterte: NBI tried to ‘forcibly’ bring ex-Davao info officer to Manila

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According to a statement from the NBI, the case stemmed from Palpal-latoc’s attendance at the 54th International Institute of Human Rights Summer School held in Strasbourg, France, from June 18 to July 22, 2025.

The expenses for airfare, accommodation, meals and subsistence for the monthlong training event were shouldered by a German organization, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.

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However, the NBI noted that Palpal-latoc still claimed daily subsistence allowance and representation expenses for the trip despite the costs already paid for by a donor, violating Executive Order No. 77.

Section 16(b) of the EO “specifically disallows representation expenses for officials attending trainings or traveling on donor-funded trips,” the NBI said.

Moreover, the NBI found that the disbursement voucher contained “no disclosure of the foreign donor” and it was supported with the program agenda for a different event.

“Despite missing mandatory documents, the mismatched program documentation, the prohibited claims, and the undisclosed sponsorship, the voucher passed through every control point,” it said.

The NBI noted that Mani certified as complete the supporting documents of the voucher, Dolor certified that funds were available and Cuyco approved the voucher for payment.

The agency said the four respondents, who were acting in their “official functions,” were liable for violation of Section 3(e) of RA 3019 and for gross misconduct.

It added that they committed “manifest partiality, evident bad faith, or gross inexcusable negligence” over “a claim for expenses already paid by a sponsor, a concealed donor, and certifications issued over facially defective documents.”

They also caused “unwarranted benefit or undue injury” because Palpal-latoc allegedly “received public funds for costs he never incurred, at the government’s expense.”

In a statement responding to the allegations on Saturday, CHR spokesperson and Commissioner Beda Epres said the commission is “aware of information circulating online.”

He assured the public that the commission “recognizes the seriousness of these concerns, particularly as they relate to the responsible use of public funds and the accountability expected of government officials.”

Amid the allegations, he said the commission remains “guided by the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability.”

“At this time, the CHR has not received any formal complaint concerning the allegations. Nevertheless, the Commission recognizes the importance of establishing the facts through appropriate processes, consistent with applicable government accounting and auditing rules and the requirements of due process,” Epres said.

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“The CHR remains committed to ensuring that the concerns raised are addressed through the proper channels and will provide further information as appropriate,” it added. INQ