11 indicted in ₱239M Cebu City garbage scam

The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to indict 11 individuals, including Cebu City officials and private contractors, in connection with the P239.7-million garbage collection scam that rocked the city in 2021.

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The resolution, dated February 4, 2025, charged the following respondents with Violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), and Malversation of Public Funds or Property: former city administrator Floro Quique Casas Jr., Department of Public Services (DPS) head John Jigo Gaston Dacua, Environmental Monitoring Team leader Grace Luardo-Silva, city government personnel Allen Omlero Ceballos, Romelito Asinjo Datan, Mark Abarquez Ugbinar, Jerome Visarra Ornopia, and Mare Vae Fernandez Reyes, and private individuals Jayra Angelic Maninog Ruiz-Javier, John David Sevilles Javier, and Erika May Quino.

A separate administrative ruling dated March 14, 2025, found substantial evidence against them for gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

They were meted the penalty of dismissal from public service, cancellation of civil service eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and ban from taking civil service examinations

The investigation began following a complaint by then Vice Mayor Michael Rama, supported by City Council resolution.