MOP, Bk 11, v.5, 665
“1. Malfeasance in OfficeThe respondent admitted that she was absent from duty at the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi from 16 September to 30 November 1989 without approved leave of absence. She had an approved leave of absence from 15 August to 15 September 1989, but after the lapse of the period she kept the embassy in Hanoi as well as the Home Office in the dark as to her whereabouts.”
On 12 February 1990, respondent Bonita, while serving as 3rd Secretary and Vice-Consul at the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi, transmitted without authorization to the Vietnamese Foreign Affairs Ministry a note verbale, containing the contents of a Memorandum Circular from the Home Office classified “Secret” in the interim administration of Cambodia, in violation of Department Memorandum Circular No. 82-89 dated 10 January 1989 in connection with Memorandum Circular No. 78 of the Office of the President dated 14 August 1964. The wrongful act of respondent has caused embarrassment to the Department and has prejudiced the interest and prestige of the Philippine Government.
In her Answer to the charge sheet, Ms. Bonita admitted having transmitted the note verbale to the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry, but claimed that she was motivated with good intentions, that she did not mean to intentionally reveal Philippine position and that she overlooked the fact that the circular message from the Department was classified.
The Board held that her defense is untenable and reflects the negligence of respondent. As a foreign service officer and at the same time the Charge d’Affaires, a.i. of the Embassy, she should have verified the exact message received from the Department especially since it was coursed through radio.
2. Misconduct and Frequent Unauthorized Absences