Thursday, June 26, 2008 Tineg folk want mayor removed By Jane Cadalig
OFFICIALS and residents of Tineg, Abra on Wednesday asked the National Government to conduct an investigation into what they said are illegal acts committed by their present municipal administration.
Particularly pointing to Tineg Mayor Edwin Crisologo Sr., residents and some municipal officials and employees appealed to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to replace the current mayor, claiming he has not reported to Municipal Hall since he became the town's chief executive.
In their petition, they also want the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Unit, Commission on Audit and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to investigate and audit the alleged human rights violations and graft and corrupt practices committed under Crisologo's leadership.
Benina Libuen who was among the employees ordered removed by Crisologo in June 2006 alleged that the mayor had been using public funds to purchase weapons.
She said majority of the development projects funded under the town's 20 percent economic development fund were not implemented, as funds allotted for these were used for other purposes.
When she was sacked by the mayor allegedly without legal basis, Libuen said she continues reporting as the municipal planning and development officer, even if she is not receiving any compensation.
"I did not complain for fear of my life. I have been receiving several threats already, but I have to continue my work even if I am not paid," she said.
Municipal Civil Registrar Cosme Calubing shared Libuen's sentiments, saying the town has no approved budget yet for this year.
From a list of nine infrastructure projects reported as accomplishment by the municipal treasurer and the mayor, Calubing said only one was actually implemented.
The infrastructure component of the accomplishment report for 2006 is one of the programs funded under the 20 percent development fund. Other programs reported were the implementation of the gender and development and the calamity funds.
Residents and officials present in a press conference belied the accomplishment report prepared and noted by the municipal treasurer and the mayor, respectively.
Crisologo is holding office in his residence in Bangued town.
