First District officials, guv back Enad

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu officials from the First District have publicly expressed their support for suspended Minglanilla Mayor Rajiv Enad, Vice Mayor Elanito Peña, and members of Sangguniang Bayan following the filing of graft charges against them by the Office of the Ombudsman.

In a joint statement released Thursday, leaders under the Alayon Party said they stand firmly behind the Minglanilla officials as they face legal proceedings arising from the complaint filed before the Regional Trial Court in the City of Naga.

The statement was signed by First District Representative Rhea Mae Gullas, Board Members Antonio Bacaltos Jr. and Lakambini Reluya, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas Jr., Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong, Carcar City Mayor Mario Patricio Barcenas, Minglanilla Mayor Lheslen Enad, San Fernando Mayor Mytha Ann Canoy, and Sibonga Mayor Caroline Bacaltos.

“We express our full and unwavering support for Minglanilla Mayor Rajiv Enad, Vice Mayor Elanito Peña, and the members of the Sangguniang Bayan who were recently charged by the Office of the Ombudsman,” read a portion of the statement.

The officials stressed that while the case is now undergoing legal proceedings, they remain confident that the justice system will ensure fairness and due process for all parties involved.

“As they go through the legal process, we stand firmly beside them and reaffirm our continued support throughout these proceedings,” the statement added.

The group further said it believes that all parties will be given a fair opportunity to present their side and that the matter will ultimately be resolved based on the merits of the case.

“We remain confident that due process will be upheld, that all parties will be given a fair opportunity to be heard, and that the truth will ultimately prevail,” the district leaders said.

The signatories also emphasized their solidarity with the Minglanilla officials, expressing hope that the issue would be settled fairly, impartially, and in accordance with the rule of law.

The officials likewise extended their support to the families of those involved and to the residents of Minglanilla amid the ongoing controversy.

“Our thoughts, prayers, and unwavering support are with them, their families, and the people of Minglanilla during this challenging time,” they said.

Separate from the joint statement, Governor Pamela Baricuatro also conveyed her support for Enad through a message posted online.

“You have my support Mayor! You're one of the best-performing mayors in Cebu Province. Padayon lang and keep your head up,” Baricuatro commented in a news update posted on Facebook.

The show of support came days after the Office of the Ombudsman announced that it had filed graft charges against Enad and several other municipal officials before the Regional Trial Court in the City of Naga.

Aside from Enad and Peña, the charges also included 10 members of the Sangguniang Bayan and Municipal Administrator Junrie Casquejo Bragat.

According to the Ombudsman, investigators found probable cause to pursue charges for alleged violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The case stemmed from the municipal government's repeated rejection of a proposed environmental rehabilitation plan submitted by private firms Jomara Konstruct Corp. and Jomara Agri Foods and Supply Corp. for a site located in sitio Napo, Barangay Guindarohan, Minglanilla.

The Ombudsman alleged that the denial of the proposal lacked sufficient basis, prompting the filing of charges against the local officials.

The case is now set to proceed before the court, where the accused officials will be given the opportunity to answer the allegations and present their defense. — /MRM (FREEMAN)