'Bribe raps pure lies; complainants fictitious'

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – This city’s legal chief has dismissed as “pure lies” allegations that he has received bribes from government contractors and vendors’ cooperatives.

Lawyer Melchor Carlos Rabanes said he welcomes any check on his lifestyle if only to prove the accusations wrong.

Three complainants, which Rabanes said were all fictitious, have asked the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate the city legal chief for alleged graft and corrupt practices. 

One complaint dated April 24 by Angelo de la Peña, a member of the Samahan ng mga Kontratista sa Cordillera (SKC) who is working for the approval of a water system in the city, alleged that Rabanes was guaranteed a share in the income.

There are, however, only two accredited organizations of contractors in the Cordilleras – the United Baguio Benguet Contractors Association and the Contractors Against Crime and Corruption.

De la Peña accused Rabanes of maintaining a dummy who received for him eight percent share from the water system deal since 2010. 

But Rabanes said, “I do not prepare contacts for contractors, landowners or businessmen. While the city legal office reviews contracts for signing of the city mayor, no fees or charges are imposed.” 

Rabanes also dismissed as “untrue” allegations that he had received bribes for a feasibility study on a new water supply system conducted by an Australian firm and from the purchase of equipment.

“That Australians have done a project study on water supply in Baguio City is fiction. I never dealt with any Australian where I allegedly asked money,” he said. 

“I do not extort, I earn my bread earnestly,” he added.

Another complainant, Asucena Pawid, supposedly an officer of the Samahan ng mga Tindera/Trading Post Benguet Baguio, accused Rabanes of collecting sums of money from them though a collector. 

But Rabanes said, “There is no association known as TODA.” “Allegations that I own vehicles and land coming from the cooperative is ridiculous,” he said. “I only have a 2003 Honda CRV which I bought from my own savings.”

Rabanes, who said he has yet to receive formal summons from the Ombudsman, maintains that he has led a clean and honest public life. 

“Being a career service professional, my service underscores public interest, and not on political considerations,” he said.

Rabanes said the “lies” raised against him were “impelled by satanic intentions.”