Bacaltos explains suspended assessor's presence at city hall

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City administrator Richel Bacaltos yesterday clarified that the presence of suspended-city assessor Alma Abellanosa to the city hall last May 10 was only to help address the issues of her office.

“Niadto lang siya (Abellanosa) para pagtabang og sulbad sa mga pangutana as per request sa OIC (officer-in-charge),” Bacaltos said.

Abellanosa attended the meeting at the assessor’s office last May 10 upon orders of Mayor Socrates Fernandez.

“I, the undersigned, request you to appear tomorrow in your office May 10, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. in order to discuss with your subordinate matters regarding some concerns in your office. Your appearance is greatly needed by the undersigned,” read Fernandez’s letter to Abellanosa dated May 9.

Fernandez’s letter came after the staff of the city assessor’s office led by its acting head Carmela Cabriana, who in May 7, requested the mayor to invite Abellanosa for a conference to enlighten them “on vital matter concerning office policies, assessment works” and the conduct of general revision, which the office is said to be presently undertaking.

Upon knowing of the said meeting, however, Virgilia Seguerra, who was responsible for Abellanosa’s nine-month suspension, reported the incident to the Talisay City Police last May 12.

Abellanosa was found guilty of grave abuse of power and conduct unbecoming of a public official after she conspired in issuing tax declarations to another person although the properties involved are in the name of Seguerra’s son.

Seguerra had also threatened to file another complaint against Abellanosa in the anti-graft court.   - THE FREEMAN