Fortuna cleared of charges

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas dismissed the administrative charges against former Mandaue City vice mayor Carlo Fortuna for alleged violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials.

Graft investigator Maria Regina Fernandez found no sufficient evidence to elevate the complaint filed by Ariston Cortes III and others.Cortes had claimed that Fortuna used public funds in going to the Sandiganbayan to appear as counsel for his father’s case.

 “There is no record with the City Government of Mandaue that respondent has charged his travel or trips to Manila to the City,” Fernandez stated.

Cortes said Fortuna actively participated as counsel for his father, Pontico Fortuna, a former member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Mandaue City, in Criminal Case No. 24729 before the Sandiganbayan.

Cortes said that instead of protecting the interest of the Mandaue City, Fortuna helped his father as counsel. He added that every time the case of Fortuna’s father was heard, Fortuna would file an official leave to attend the hearing. Cortes was banking on the “probability that it was at the expense of the city.”

Cortes also filed a complaint for Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

But the graft investigator found no evidence to indict Fortuna.

Fortuna, in his counter-affidavit, said there was no conflict of interest because Mandaue City was not a party in the case. He also said it was he, and not Mandaue City, who paid for his fares.

He also stressed that he was always present during the City Council sessions. (FREEMAN)