Ombudsman ousts Capiz governor, son for extortion

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman yesterday ordered the dismissal from service of Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco Sr. and his son, security officer Vladimir Tanco, over an extortion complaint filed against them four years ago.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales ordered the filing of graft charges against the Tancos for allegedly demanding and receiving P3 million from a contractor. 

Morales said the accused were indicted for violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Investigations showed the Tancos received P3 million from a certain Leodegario Labao Jr. of Kirskat Venture (Kirskat), the contractor for a P32.9- million hospital project in Mambusao town.

Labao testified that on Sept. 19, 2011, Vladimir came to his office, claiming his father sent him to collect the P3 million in exchange for the release of payments for the project. 

Labao said the accused threatened to blacklist Kirskat should he fail to heed their request.

Two days later, the check amounting P3 million was allegedly delivered to the governor’s residence, and was deposited and credited to the bank account of Vladimir.

The following month, the local government issued a check amounting to P2.2 million in favor of Kirskat, representing 15 percent of the project’s mobilization fund.

The ombudsman rejected Vladimir’s defense that the check represented a loan.

The anti-graft court said Vladimir failed to show proof to support his claims, while the complainant showed the signed voucher of a check it issued to the Tancos.

Morales said the Tancos used their posts to benefit themselves.

Meanwhile, the ombudsman suspended for six months without pay the city administrator of Bacolod over an administrative offense.

The ombudsman said Rolando Villamor appeared as counsel for private firm, Galeno Construction Inc., in a civil case filed against the city government. 

The anti-graft agency said Villamor’s action manifested conflict of interest when he represented a party whose interest collides with that of his employer, the city government of Bacolod. – With Danny Dangcalan