Administrative Order No. 29, November 15, 1962

EXONERATING DR. PAULINO J. GARCIA, CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD, OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGES AGAINST HIM FOR ELECTIONEERING AND DISHONESTY

This is an administrative case against Dr. Paulino J. Garcia, Chairman of the National Science Development Board, for alleged electioneering and dishonesty. The charges were formally investigated by a committee composed of former Justices Pastor M. Endencia, Teofilo Sison, and Ramon R. San Jose. The committee finds the charges without merit and recommends the respondent's exoneration.

On the electioneering charge, the committee observes that the evidence against the respondent is either hearsay, inconsistent or unworthy of belief and credit. The committee believes that the respondent, in accompanying then-President Carlos P. Garcia and introducing him in public in the course of the latter's political campaign in the respondent's hometown, was placed in a predicament where, as a member of the Cabinet, he was left no other choice.

Respondent is charged with dishonesty in that, although he was provided with a commutable transportation allowance, he used the official car of the Board. The committee found that he used the official car to accompany foreign scientists and other visitors. As to the employment of his driver, the committee reports that the latter was paid out of his commutable transportation allowance, with the knowledge of the office auditors.

Considering that the facts involved in this case hinge largely on a question of credibility, I have to abide by the conclusions of the learned jurists who had the opportunity to observe the witnesses at close range. In view thereof, the respondent is hereby exonerated of the charges against him.

Done in the City of Manila, this 15th day of November, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and sixty-two.

(Sgd.) DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL

President of the Philippines

By the President:

(Sgd.) SALVADOR L. MARIÑO

Executive Secretary