Ex-DBP Teller Jailed for Encashment of Bounced Checks

File photo for reference only

A former teller at the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) in Cabanatuan City, Argene Ortiz, has been sentenced to up to eight years in prison. The Sandiganbayan court upheld a 2017 decision for her role in the unauthorized encashment of three checks, resulting in a loss of P9 million for the bank. Ortiz was found guilty of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, alongside a permanent disqualification from holding public office and an order to reimburse the bank.

This case originated from a 2017 decision by the Cabanatuan City Regional Trial Court Branch 29. It highlighted Ortiz's responsibility for a significant fiscal loss incurred by the DBP after approving checks that lacked sufficient funds. Private respondent Eliezer Tumangan, who benefited from the checks, remains at large after jumping bail.

Bank officials testified that the P9 million released by Ortiz could not be recovered. The court's unanimous decision underscored Ortiz's actions as creating "undue injury" to DBP, affording unwarranted financial benefits to Tumangan. Ortiz's appeal claimed she was unfairly targeted for what she described as broader systemic issues within the DBP branch.

Looking forward, this ruling serves as a reminder and warning to banking professionals regarding the consequences of negligence and misconduct. Ortiz was unable to provide evidence supporting her allegations that the bank's management had approved the transactions. The DBP continues to pursue recovery from Tumangan, but the path forward remains uncertain with him at large, reported Philstar.

Key Takeaways

• Argene Ortiz was sentenced to eight years for bank misconduct.

• DBP suffered a direct financial loss of P9 million.

• Eliezer Tumangan, the beneficiary, is still at large.

Click here for more Philippines stories

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Philstar 2026-01-29