PSC Employees file complaint against Bachmann at the Ombudsman

A group called ‘Concerned Employees of the PSC’ submitted on January 16 to the Ombudsman’s office a handful of documents containing their grievances and complaints against Bachmann, including the alleged abuse of his position as head of the government sports agency that looks after amateur sports.

“Hindi na namin masikmura ang nangyayari sa PSC kaya nag-file na kami ng complaint. Naka-attached na doon yung lahat ng documents at evidence, so bahala na ang Ombudsman na mag-determined kung pasok din sa graft yung reklamo namin,” said the group’s spokesman who requested anonymity.

Among the information contents in the complaints are the following:

1. Non-PSC employees (Children of the Public Official) were included in foreign trips and there were documented efforts to pass on the expenses to have the agency pay for the travel expenses, including submission of an “official accomplishment report by one of the children even as the person has no legal personality with the PSC.
2. Issues of overdue unliquidated funds that were allowed to be realigned despite obvious questionable circumstances. Said unliquidated funds were flagged already by the COA but were only answered after more than a year, alleging that said funds were converted into athletes’ allowances. The realignment was made possible through a referendum signed by Bachmann and Commissioners Walter Torres and Olivia ‘Bong’ Coo.
3. The relationship between Bachmann and his older brother Squash Rackets Federation president Robert ‘Bobby’ Bachman leads to questions of violation of an existing COA circular on nepotism.
4. Assignment of a coterminous employee to be a Special Disbursing Officer (SDO) for an international event while said employee still has not liquidated previous public funds under the employee’s care. The COA also flagged this unliquidated fund issue, but despite this, the appointment was still approved.
5. Serious questions about possible violations in the procurement of the athletes' meals, luggage, and training uniforms.

The Ombudsman will review the submitted documents to determine whether Chairman Bachmann committed any violations. Regardless of the verdict, the Chairman retains the right to answer the charges and defend himself based on his constitutionally protected rights.

“Nasa kamay na ng Ombudsman ang usapin. Handa naman kami kung sakaling magsimula ang hearing ng imbestigasyon. Kailangan naming na labanan itoi, kung dati’y white paper lang ang kaya naming gawin para ma-exposed ang mga ito, ngayon lalaban na kami ng harapan,” added the spokesman.