Mayor denies using fake SAROs

LAGUNA, Philippines – The mayor of Pakil town here yesterday denied duping contractors of a government project with the use of fake special allotment release orders (SARO).

Mayor Vipops Charles Martinez said he would present himself before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) office today to clear his name and file complaints of syndicated estafa and use of fake documents against businesswoman Christine Joy Angelica Gonzales, alias Angela Liwanag and Angelica Gonzales.

Martinez also denied the allegations of construction firm owners Ariel Garcia and Irene Simbulan, who accused him, Gonzales and two other persons of allegedly using fake SAROs to dupe them.

Gonzales was arrested by NBI agents in an entrapment in Quezon City last Thursday based on a complaint filed by Garcia and Simbulan.

“I’m also a victim of Gonzales’ scheme and I want to clear my name,” Martinez told The STAR.

He said he had given P700,000 to Gonzales, supposedly in exchange for the immediate release of SAROs for a government project in his town.

Martinez said Gonzales and Simbulan were introduced to him in December by his godson Jay Carreon. He said Gonzales claimed she knew people at the Department of Budget (DBM) who could help expedite the release of SAROs.

Martinez said he was planning to seek police help to verify Gonzales’ background when the NBI agents arrested her.