More than 200 local chief executives throughout the country, at least ten of them from Oriental Negros, are awaiting the findings of anti-graft cases filed against them before the office of the Ombudsman.

Provincial legal officer Erwin Vergara yesterday disclosed that, those facing graft charges before the Ombudsman are Mayors Rodrigo Alanano of Dauin, Jonifer Villegas - Vallehermoso, Ernesto Reyes - Guihulngan, Rodolfo Yee - Bacong, Hector Villanueva - Bais City, with his Vice Mayor Francisco Villanueva, Mayors Jocelyn Limkaichong of La Libertad, and German Saraña (Bayawan City), his Vice Mayor Rene Gaudiel, the entire Sanggunian Bayan of Bayawan and councilors, and several other barangay captains in the province.

Vergara said these cases have already been decided by the Visayas Ombudsman and were submitted for final judgment to the Overall Deputy Ombudsman in Manila.

He said he is almost sure that the findings will be out shortly because graft cases are not affected by the Commission on Elections ban.

Records show that graft and corrupt practices charges were filed against Reyes of Guihulngan for the inappropriate use of the municipal vehicle; Limkaichong on the use of the municipal bus outside the municipality and the non-issuance of permits, and the representation and travel allowance issue against Alanano.

Vice Mayor Francisco Villanueva and Mayor Hector Villanueva of Bais City were also facing separate charges before the Ombudsman on real property transactions and the use of the intelligence fund.

One of the three cases against the officials in Bayawan stemmed from the construction of the boulevard, the purchase of a property that allegedly gave due advantage to the mayor's property, and regarding the appointment of a local employee.

Bais City Councilor Jeremias Perez also has a pending case before the Office of the President, while the barangay captain of Sto. Niño, in Tanjay City, is facing charges for nepotism, like another barangay captain in Basay.*JG

back to top