CAPIZ – Sigma, Capiz vice mayor Stephen Alayon faces a graft complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman.
Mayor Christopher Vincent Andaya complained that public funds were disbursed without authority of any law, ordinance or appropriation resolution from the Sangguniang Bayan of Sigma.
The anti-graft body is yet to issue its resolution on the complaint.
Andaya claimed in his complaint affidavit that from January 2020 to September 2020, municipal funds totaling P265,800 were disbursed to various recipients.
The disbursements, according to Andaya, could constitute violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practice Act, Revised Penal Code or Local Government Code of the Philippines and other relevant laws and regulations.
“It is therefore respectfully prayed that the Office of the Ombudsman conduct a corresponding preliminary investigation and prosecution for violation of appropriate laws and regulations as the facts and circumstances may warrant, including the suspension from office of the respondent,” read part of Andaya’s complaint-affidavit.
Alayon could not be reached for comment as of this writing.
Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution and the Ombudsman Act of 1989, the Office of the Ombudsman independently monitors all three branches of the government for corruption.
The Ombudsman is principally tasked to investigate on its own or upon complaint by any person, in any form or manner, any act or omission of any public officer or employee, including those in government-owned or controlled corporations.
After an investigation, the Ombudsman – if the evidence warrants – files charges at the Sandiganbayan, a special anti-graft court./PN
