'INEPT ACCOUNTANT'
DOH reg'l exec raps WVMC accountant for incompetence

By Florence F. Hibionada

Department of Health (DOH) Regional Director Lydia Depra-Ramos has sought the ouster of the hospital accountant of Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) for incompetence and inefficiency in the performance of official duties.

With prima facie established by the regional health department, Jerlinda Miranda, WVMC Accountant III stands as respondent in an administrative case officially lodged before the office of Health Secretary Francisco Duque.

The 4-page formal charge obtained by The News Today disclosed how the department's “systematic review” of records on hand moved to validate the earlier complaint filed by various employees and medical staff of the WVMC.

Miranda stands accused of incompetence and inefficiency in the performance of official duties. She was also charged to have committed grave misconduct grossly prejudicial to the government service.

The respondent-accountant's woes stemmed from her failure to submit government required Financial Reports such as the hospital's Trial Balance Sheets back in 1996.

No less than the Commission on Audit (COA) then called the attention of the WVMC management with a senior State Auditor recommending for Miranda's suspension of salary and other benefits.

Former WVMC Chief, Marcelino Hanopol Jr. acting on the COA indorsement issued Memorandum Order No. 55 back in 1997 that suspended Miranda's salaries and other privileges.

“That despite such precedence, Mrs. Miranda in the years 2001, 2002 and 2003 again committed acts which very well tantamount to the subject of the herein charge as contained in COA's Audit Observation Memoranda,” excerpts of the DOH 6 formal charge stated while adding how the matter remained unacted in spite of office orders for her to do so.

“That Mrs. Miranda's Incompetence and Negligence is further bolstered by the fact that she “issued a blind certification” by including in the list of Accounts Payable for 2001 supplier Iloilo BC Trading although deliveries were made only in 2002.”

Miranda's conduct, the DOH 6 formal charge sheet continued, caused a “domino effect within the organization wherein other functions, duties and offices in the same Center are affected and hindered as well.”

The formal charge was made by the DOH Center for Health Development-Western Visayas as approved by Regional Director Lydia Depra-Ramos.

Forming part as evidence of the department's case against Miranda 13-page petition letter of the WVMC employees and officials that called on her ouster as Accountant III.

The petition got some 420 signatures, over 70 of which were doctors of the WVMC.