Arroyo may face graft charges from TESDA

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo may face graft charges linking to highly irregular scholarship program.

Joel Villanueva, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority director-general said that they have officially filed charges against Syjuco before the Office of the Ombudsman last October, and it appeared that he acted under the assurance of then President Arroyo on the fund release that eventually resulted to un-booked commitment.

Villanueva said that they are investigating on probable connection of Arroyo to the doubtful Php 800-million scholarship program executed on the leadership of Augusto Syjuco.

He said that they are still waiting for the Ombudsman's findings on the Php 800-million scholarship fund case, and we are willing to work with Commission on Audit on their future audit of funds used by the previous administration.

According to the investigation handled by the COA, it shows that Syjuco was not mandated by the TESDA to permit the transfer of over Php 58 million in 2005 and 2008 to the Tagipusuon Cooperative (Php 20 million) and to the Tagipusuon Foundation (Php38.12 million) for purchase of school materials.

Villanueva added that providing the elementary/ high school students with free uniforms, school bags and other school supplies through the Expanded Education for All Program is not among TESDA's scholarship programs, considering its mission is towards quality technical education and skills development. — ARA