Complaint filed vs. Garcia, et al

Some Cebu City residents, including ambulant vendors, have filed a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas against Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia and two other department heads for technical malversation and four other alleged violations.

- Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon Iris Hazel Mascardo Staff Members

Aside from Garcia, Harold Alcotin, head of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRRMO), and Portia Basmayor, head of the Cebu City Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS), were also named in the complaint.

According to the complainants, Garcia and the four officials allegedly violated Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Section 3, paragraph [e]); Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, Section 4, paragraphs [a] and [d]); as well as misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The complainants are Juliet Orlanes, Felix Calvo, Julieta Roca, Jocelyn Queroga, Gena Rebias, Andresa Valentis, Beatriz Misamis, Solidad Coste, Floredelinda Camuta, Francisca Flores, Ma. Lourdes Randoy, and Teodera Bensing, all residents of Cebu City.

In a press conference held yesterday, Atty. Mac Gordon, counsel for the complainants, said that even if he is running for city councilor, the complainants deserve representation. He emphasized that his decision to take the case was based on his role as a lawyer, not a political figure.

Gordon is running under the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) ticket, whose standard bearer is incumbent Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival, with former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña as running mate.

In their complaint, the group said they were concerned citizens who observed questionable use of public funds in their community.