Garcia files another complaint vs Gica

CEBU, Philippines - Dumanjug Mayor Nelson Garcia filed last Wednesday an administrative complaint for malversation of public property against Vice Mayor Efren Guntrano Gica.

This means that both Garcia and Gica now have two charges each filed against each other which are pending before the Cebu Provincial Board.

Garcia filed the complaint against Gica for allegedly not returning two sets of computers and laptops when the latter's term ended as councilor last June 30, 2010.

Garcia alleged that in 2007, Gica purchased a computer set amounting to P52,640 intended for his office as a town councilor during the time of former mayor Cesar Baricuatro.

In 2009, Gica allegedly received a laptop computer from the office of former PB member Alfred Francis Ouano for the use of the Sangguniang Bayan of Dumanjug.

"That after the expiration of his term of office on June 30, 2010, SB Member Efren Guntrano Gica did not return to the owners thereof, the Municipality of Dumanjug and the Province of Cebu the two sets of computers which were in his possession and custody," the complaint reads.

For his part, Gica admitted that he has in his possession the laptop purchased by the municipal government but denied having the one given by the Capitol.

He said that he is willing to buy the unit considering the amount of money he has spent in upgrading the system and since there are also a lot of files in it. 

Garcia said that on July 7, 2010, property custodian-designate, Corazon dela Cruz sent a demand letter through the registered mail of Gica.

Since then, Gica allegedly refused or failed to return the items.

Gica said he did not receive any demand letter though he is ready to answer the charges already filed against him.

Garcia asked the PB to hold Gica administratively liable and to impose appropriate administrative penalties.

Last month, Garcia filed his first complaint against Gica for grave abuse of authority and serious misconduct in office over the appointment of a SB secretary. This came after the two complaints earlier filed by Gica against Garcia on the said issue. 

Garcia asked the PB to dismiss the complaint filed by Gica for having no cause of action, forum shopping for filing the same at the Office of the Ombudsman, and that the Civil Service Commission had already invalidated the appointment of SB secretary by Gica.

Gica insisted that the earlier claim that the power to appoint all officials and employees of the SB belongs to the vice mayor prompting him to file the complaints before the PB.

Both complaints of Gica are now pending before the PB committee on complaints and investigation chaired by Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy.  (FREEMAN)