Talisay council is just chasing payment from erring collector

CEBU, Philippines -The Talisay City council has entered into a compromise agreement with former market collector Libertad Juban, who is facing charges before the Office of the Ombudsman, with the intention of resolving her civil liability. 

This was the report rendered by City Councilor committee chairman Richard Francis Aznar following the city council’s postponement of the approval of a resolution that authorizes Mayor Socrates Fernandez to sign a deal with Juban to allow her to pay her debts by giving up a portion of her 4,900-square-meter property in barangay Jaclupan. 

Councilor Romeo Villarante, a member of the minority bloc, cautioned the city government from entering into a compromise agreement with an alleged erring city market collector for the reason that a complaint against the person has already been filed by the public assistance and corruption and prevention office of the Ombudsman-Visayas. 

The Commission on Audit already recommended the filing of charges against Juban for the alleged mishandling of collections, tampering official receipts, and manipulating records. 

Councilor Dennis Basillote, chairman of the committee on the urban poor, had proposed to allow the mayor to enter into an agreement with Juban. 

Juban has reportedly paid P150,000 in September 11, 2009 as per Official Receipt No. 2855539, which leaves a balance of P2,116, 392.76. 

Villarante said the city accepted the offer and the payment although the case at the Ombudsman has not yet been resolved.

But Aznar explained that the assignment of Juban of a portion of her property as payment of her outstanding liability only settles the civil liability of her offense. 

Villarante, however, doubts the legality of the move of the city government because it will give the impression the government condones Juban’s act.  (FREEMAN)