Barangay execs file graft raps vs Quezon mayor

Lucena City, Philippines – The Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon summoned incumbent Mayor Isaias Ubana II of Lopez, Quezon to submit his counter-affidavit in connection with an administrative complaint filed by five barangay chairmen who bared the irregularities of various government documents.

The letter dated Nov. 16, 2009 from the Ombudsman ordered Ubana to file his reply within 10 days from receipt and this was signed by Rolando Zoleta, acting director of the said agency.

The said case stemmed from Barangay Captain Albelio Reyes of Lourdes, who discovered the anomalies against Ubana II.

Reyes said that on Feb. 4, 2009, he discovered there was a voucher addressed to his barangay stating he received an item of plastic and glassware merchandise amounting of P35,560 on Nov. 24,2008.

He also found out that his signature was forged, however, Reyes claimed he did not receive those items and did not also make any request from Ubana II.

The same happened to some barangay captains in Lopez town. The persons reportedly involved were Guillermo Maulawin of Magallanes, Oscar Aguirre of Rosario, Jesus Astillo of Matinik, Justiniano Calvario of Banabahin and a certain Violeta Aceron of Mal-Ay. – Michelle Zoleta