JVR, son open to ‘lifestyle check’

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City administrator John Yre De los Reyes, son of Mayor Johnny De los Reyes, has welcomed the challenge to put him and his father under a lifestyle check.

Loreto Bonete, who has lodged a graft and corruption case against the father-and-son tandem before the Office of the Ombudsman, reportedly raised that the two officials be placed under lifestyle check.

This is to find out how John Yre acquired the "beautiful two-story house" and lot in an exclusive subdivision in Talisay City when his income as a city administrator is not allegedly enough to buy such properties.

But John Yre, in a text message to The FREEEMAN, slammed the accusations, saying he was dismayed over reports and commentaries accusing them of abuse of power in Talisay City.

"Pobre na gyud kaayo ilang panan-aw namo?" he said.

He clarified that he already acquired the house and lot in question before he started working at the City Hall through his own business and the support of his father who is also a businessman.

John Yre was appointed by the City Council as city administrator in 2013 during the tenancy of his father.

According to him, he is a licensed customs broker and a brokerage company based in Cebu with clients coming from abroad.

His firm, he said, facilitates the processing of documents from their clients before a cargo vessel can dock at the port for business purposes. In addition, he said he also owns a car wash firm franchise.

"We, including my father, are ready to adhere to any order, if any, with regard to our jobs as public employees, especially the move for a lifestyle check, because wala man mi gitagoan nga anomaliya sa among pagpangalagad sa katawhan sa Talisay. Wa mi nigamit sa maong pwesto para mangurakot," John Yre said.

The city official blamed politics behind the allegations hurled against them.

"Magpadayon lang gihapon mi sa among pagpangalagad sa katawhan sa Talisay mentras naa pa mi sa pwesto kay mao ra nay among gisaad sa katawhan ug amo usab ibalik ang salig sa Talisaynon dinhi kanamo," he said.

Pursuant to the mandate of the law on public accountability, government officials and employees are required to undergo lifestyle check in case there is doubt on their ability to acquire properties. — (FREEMAN)