Garcia to probe ‘misuse’ of funds in Dumanjug

CEBU, Philippines - Suspended Dumanjug Mayor Nelson Garcia yesterday vowed to look into reports of irregularities in the use of government funds purportedly perpetuated by acting Mayor Efren Gica when he returns to office next month.

“Akong tan-awon ang mga expenses nga grabe ka-lavish. Sa fiesta alone, October 3, P4 million ang gigasto,” Garcia told reporters during the One Cebu party general assembly yesterday.

He said he also learned about several “unnecessary expenses” that Gica incurred.

“Daghan kaayo unecessary expenses.  Mga  kuwartaha  adto unta ibutang sa serbisyo sa mga katawhan, giusik-usuikan lang jud ani’ng acting mayor,” Garcia said.

There were also allegedly “overpriced purchases” that include lamps whose prices were allegedly marked up to P1,500 apiece from the original price of P300.

“Grabe kaayo ang panguwarta diha sa Dumanjug. Imbestigaron dayun na nako,” Garcia said.

The Provincial Board suspended Garcia last May for grave abuse of authority when he appointed a secretary to the Municipal Board, which is supposedly the job of the vice mayor. It was Gica who filed the complaint against Garcia.

Garcia is set to resume office on November 5.

He said he is also thinking of filing cases before the Ombudsman against Gica if he finds out the reports are true.

“Tukion ug tan-awon nako kung tinuuray na ang report sa accounting office. Wala nay respetar sa kuwarta sa katawhan. Kung tinuod na, mapugos ko’g pasaka og kaso sa Ombudsman,” he said.

Meanwhile, Garcia was officially proclaimed by his party, One Cebu, as the official candidate for mayor in Dumanjug. He said he is running for a “fresh term” as his first term was “interrupted” by the suspension.  (FREEMAN)