Calamba forms task force to investigate alleged corruption

LAGUNA  , Philippines – The Calamba City government has created a special committee to conduct its own parallel investigation to determine if there is a conspiracy between Calamba City officials and suppliers in the alleged P26 million anomaly.

In a phone interview with The STAR, lawyer Manuel Labrido, city administrator, said the investigating team is still gathering evidences and evaluating all necessary documents before releasing the result of the investigation.

He said National Bureau of Investigation agents arrested a certain Ranielda Leaño, supplier of the Central World Enterprise, and Jonalyn B General Merchandize, inside the Philippine National Bank while withdrawing parts of the two missing check booklets.

Charges of violation of Article 171, 172 (falsification of commercial documents), Article 315 (Estafa) of the Revised Penal Code and Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 have been filed against Leaño.

Labrido said the arrest of Leaño, is a big help in the investigation conducted by the NBI and the Special Committee team.

He said Leaño has already encashed several checks amounting to P11 million when she was arrested by police authorities.

According to City Councilor Niño Lajara, his colleagues will file complaints in the Office of the Ombudsman against Calamba City officials as well as criminal charges against two suppliers tagged as behind the alleged P26 million anomaly.

Lajara said there is a public clamor to immediately suspend those involved in the anomaly including accountant Carminia Espiri-dion.