I have been facing a challenging ordeal in my life lately. My office filed charges against me for participating in public auction for sale of unserviceable properties. I bidded and I won. Not because I was member of the Disposal Committee but because I was highest bidder for some lots. It was a very transparent auction and was even witnessed by our Resident Auditor. The bidded materials awarded to were not used by me but for my brother's house which was at the time of the bidding was under construction.

I was aghast when I received the show cause order asking me and my co -accused (my former boss, and now retired ARD) to explain why we should not be charged of Conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the Government and Acts and Violation of par 3i of the RA 3019.( The Anit -Graft Practices Act). I knew someone had tipped the legal service of the activity. For how could they have known the details when it was infact a regional undertaking. The Central Office would have no knowledge of this activity if no one had hinted the higher ups. I later learned the root of all these and it is disheartening to note that we were merely caught in the middle of a power struggle in this office. Although, it would have not been full blown administrative case, if only people had cooperated and sent only the documents being asked by the legal service. I am also disappointed that there are certain people who go overboard their tasks without consulting the proper people.

I am being alleged unfairly on this matter and I do not feel the support of my superiors. I sense that in this office, I am alone in this battle I am facing.

One person, whom I have trusted so well is the culprit of all these.

First, she said it was ok to just put my name in the bid form. Two reasons, one is because it was done before and another, nowhere can be found in the guidelines state that we as members of the PDAC are prohibited in joining the bidding. Though I had apprehensions then, I obliged. Not realizing that I fell prey to a trap.

Second, the same person also sent all documents to the Central Office without first consulting the PDAC. As mere PDAC secretariat head, she should have secured the instructions of the committee whether or not to send all documents regarding the bidding to the Central Office. The legal service merely requested a copy of the Official Receipts of those who purchased. And in doing so, me and my boss was charged administratively.

In my nearly 8 years stint in civil service, I do believe I am not a neophyte in Government transactions. And yes, I admit, it was really a stupid thing to do. But only because I wanted to help my brother and his family. Little did I guess that such activity will be scrutinized by anybody. Much less, be subjected to an administrative liability. I only have my self to blame for listening to these people who apparently do not know what they are talking about. From now on, I should rely on my own instincts and if in doubt I only consult those whom I know are truly experts, not those self proclaimed. Consulting people in this office especially those who claim to be experts can only give me dishonor. I am an Accountant and for that, I maintain myself to be detached from whatever form of dishonesty. I have never thought that it would be in this agency would my name be tainted and dragged into filth. The issue is trivial and I never intended to prejudice the government and in fairness to me, the auction was done in a very transparent manner. The bidding was in order and I know for a fact that I have not and never would I railroad the proceedings.

The proceedings of this case is lengthy and painstaking.

I stand my ground that the government was never prejudiced by my acts. I the bidded the highest and because of that, it was awarded to me. I participated and we were governed by the rules on disposal when we conducted the auction.

I am now being represented by my highschool batchmate and good friend, Atty. Glenda Lim.

I am truly blessed because I know my God has not forsaken me. He allowed this to happen for reasons I am still to uncover. I just let Him govern me in this that I am facing.

The preliminary conference took place last July 3. And Atty. Lim was happy with the proceedings for everything went as she expected it to be. It was agreed upon that oral arguments be waived and instead, my lawyer was to submit a position paper. And they shall only argue on 4 issues.

Two days ago, I received the copy of the position paper from our legal service authored by the lawyer prosecuting this case. And for the first time since this case progressed, I broke down. I never knew it would be this dirty. The prosecutor, instead of dwelling on the merits of her case, assassinated my character. I have never experienced obliteration of my name in the nearly 10 years of my professional life. I had always maintained a vow to protect my name from any form of intrigues for my profession calls me to do so. I have always manifested professionalism in my duty as an Accountant and never have I encountered anybody who can describe me foul words. She had maligned me like I am a hard core corrupt employee of the government, when all I did was bid the highest amount. I belive the government even gained from my bid for I paid a much higher than the asking price. I am apalled by these legal officers for dwelling on this case I call petty, when there are far more corrupt officials in the government on whom they should focus.

My lawyer still has to submit our positin paper and I know that I am being defended by a very good lawyer. And I thank God for friends like her. She is not only my legal counsel, she also had consoled me in my time of anguish. My husband has also been very supportive through all these. I know that only God knows what will happen next and I certainly believe that justice will prevail.