CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Mayor Edwin Santiago may soon face charges before the Ombudsman as former Barangay Dolores chair Melchor Caluag filed graft charges on Friday against the mayor and four other city officials.
The complainant is the husband of the city councilor and Barangay Dolores Chairman Vilma Caluag.
Accompanied by Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Diño, Caluag filed before the Office of the Ombudsman charges of violation of Republic Act (RA) 3019 or the Anti–Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, “specifically Sec. 3 (g), (e), and (f) and RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Practices for Public Officials and Employees.
The complaint was about the allegations of overpricing of the relief goods and food packages procured by the city government for distribution to the residents at the onset of the enhanced community quarantine imposed by the national government to stem the spread of the coronavirus disease.
The complainant said earlier posts of city residents in social media have questioned the price allegedly paid by the city against the worth of the merchandise.
Among those charged with Santiago are City Accountant Ma. Gisselle Rivera, General Services Office chief Michael Quizon, City Social Welfare And Development Officer Aileen Villanueva, and OIC-City Health Officer Dr. Renaly Tungol.