Complaints vs. Shimura, Loot have governor's backing - Sepulveda

CEBU, Philippines – The administrative complaints against Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura and his mother Vice Mayor Ma. Luisa Loot for alleged failure to implement projects of the provincial government had the approval of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, said Capitol consultant Rory Jon Sepulveda.

“It’s true. It’s with the approval of the governor,” Sepulveda said in a press conference yesterday.

Sepulveda said Garcia did not object to the filing of the complaints because the province would want its projects to be “implemented in good faith.”

Last Monday, Provincial Social Welfare and Development officer Marivic Garces and Bernard Calderon of the General Services Office accused Shimura and Loot of gross negligence and dereliction of duty for their alleged failure to implement projects such as the Early Child Care and Development program, Sinanduloy program, as well as regular programs for children, women, youth and elderly. In their complaints to the committee on complaints and investigation of the Provincial Board, Garces and Calderon said failing to implement the projects was a violation of the Local Government Code.

Garces said Shimura and Loot have, time and time again, been reminded to implement the programs but the mayor and vice mayor allegedly ignored the reminders.

Garces explained she has nothing personal against the mother and son whom she even credited for working closely with the province during the time disaster struck the LGU.

“I am just transparent. I have nothing personal against them,” Garces said.

Calderon, for his part, alleged that Shimura and Loot returned to the province a military jeep last month despite a standing Memorandum of Agreement between Capitol and Daanbantayan that the town would undertake the maintenance of the jeep.

The vehicle was turned to Daanbantayan in 2004 during Garcia’s first term of office.   Shimura said he is saddened by the filing of the complaints.

The committee on complaints and investigation chaired by Board Member Joven Mondigo Jr. will convene next week to lay down the rules of procedure that would govern the complaints.

The committee members include Board Members Victor Maambong, Peter John Calderon, Julian Daan and Juan Bolo.

Meanwhile, in a separate complaint, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Adolfo Quiroga said he received a complaint from one Claro Benatiro for the province to go through the books, records, and operation of the Tapilom Rural Waterworks and Sanitation Association in Barangay Tapilon, also in Daanbantayan town. — Garry B. Lao/JMO