MANILA, Philippines - Three residents of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan have filed graft charges against Mayor Lucilo Bayron for allegedly accumulating unexplained wealth.
In a complaint filed last week, complainants Manseuto Fuertes of Barangay Sicsican and Lane Godoy and Bayani David, both of Barangay Sta. Monica, asked the Office of the Ombudsman to conduct a lifestyle check on Bayron.
The complaint also included Puerto Princesa police chief Superintendent Thomas Frias Jr., Chief Inspector Ariel Celino, Bayron’s chief of staff Hydhe Dizon and village councilor Warren Salido of Baranggay Sta. Monica.
The complainants asked Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales to place the mayor under preventive suspension as graft investigators probe the case.
They said Bayron and Dizon allegedly use public funds in acquiring houses in an exclusive subdivision in the city or for the improvement of their homes.
The complainants said Bayron ordered the issuance of a .45 caliber pistol to Salido, whom they claimed is not entitled to possess a gun.