Ex-brgy exec charged over 'ghost' projects

The former treasurer of barangay Malubog was criminally charged before the court yesterday for alleged falsification of public documents over several "ghost" projects in the barangay.

Ombudsman-Visayas graft investigator Samuel Malazarte said there are enough evidences to support the charges against former Malubog barangay secretary Edwin Villarta who allegedly made some vouchers for P108,150 worth of barangay projects that were not reportedly implemented.

State auditor Juliet Almeda of the City Auditor's Office said the 2002 documents of the barangay disclosed that it had spent the amount for the road and drainage cleaning maintenance projects.

"Verification of the vouchers/payrolls and its supporting documents revealed that these appear to be in order including the signatures therein," Almeda said.

But when the state auditors interviewed Malubog barangay captain Federico Bontilao, it was found out that the questioned projects were non-existent.

Villarta, who was reportedly kicked out of his position because of the controversy, argued that he could not be charged with malversation of public funds because he already returned the amount to the barangay treasurer who replaced him.

But the Ombudsman said the act of Villarta in refunding the amount was already an admission that he has misappropriated the same amount.

"Since it is only Villarta who refunded the said amount, it can be presumed that he is the only one involved in the alleged anomalies," said graft investigator Richard Bauzon.

Next week, the court is expected to issue a warrant for Villarta's arrest and allowed a P24,000 bail for his temporary liberty. - Rene U. Borromeo