Sunday, November 11, 2007
Ex-mayor ready to appeal Ombudsman's indictment
THE Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has indicted former Bacolod mayor Luzviminda 'Joy' Valdez, among others to be charged in court with malversation of public funds and falsification of public documents.
The Ombudsman found "probable cause" in a complaint filed by the Regional Office of the Commission on Audit years ago.
In a letter signed by Justice Secretary Merceditas Gutierrez, case to be charged with must involved Valdez, Executive Assistant Susan Robles, former Secretary Brendo Elejeo, former accountant Pioquito Quinones, executive assistant Renato Rojo, OIC Management Service Ricardo Dahil-Dahil, Assistant City Treasurer Lilia Orsus, former administrator Andrea Si, budget officer Luzviminda Treyes, and project development officer Leo Villanueva.
The case involved around P100,000 amount, which was signed and submitted by the above for signature.
In an interview, City Legal Officer Allan Zamora explained that the present resolution of the Ombudsman is among the series of cases filed against his political nemesis by involving tampered receipts.
Drawing reactions from Valdez, she explained, "At this stage, the Ombudsman found 'probable cause.' This means either there is a case or no case at all. So, we just have to wait."
Valdez added, "The resolution is very similar to the folding bed scams amounting to millions of pesos and involving mayor Bing also. Eventually, it was ruled that he was not involved in the transaction."
She hoped the same thing soon.
"The conspiracy theory involved in such transaction is difficult to prove since the process also involved several independent offices," she added.
"As to legal actions, well, I have learned from Atty. Allan Zamora to file and press for appeals and appeals. We will do the same. We will appeal and appeal," Valdez said. |
