To answer bidding complaint De los Reyes wants Ombuds' extension

CEBU, Philippines – Talisay City Mayor Johnny "JVR" De los Reyes has asked the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas for a 10-day extension to answer the complaint against him and three other officials for allegedly signing a security services contract without public bidding.

City Legal Officer Alfredo Sipalay said they have received a letter from the Ombudsman to answer the complaint filed by Vicente Cabrera Jr. who accused the mayor, his son City Administrator John Yre De los Reyes and three others of entering into a service contract with Black Pearl Security Agency.

"Nangayo kita og 10-day extension sa Ombudsman aron matubag nato ang kaso nga gisang-at batok sa mayor," Sipalay said, adding that they have filed last Monday the motion for extension until October 21 to file their reply.

According to Sipalay, although they have begun drafting their reply, they are still collating all necessary documents that need to be addressed, and that the "unavoidable interruptions" at the City Hall that are equally important warrant additional extension for them to file their reply.

Cabrera, who is a resident of Talisay, claimed that JVR and the officials violated the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and the Government Procurement Reform Act.

The case stemmed after Cabrera obtained a document certifying that Talisay City Council did not pass a resolution authorizing De los Reyes to sign a service contract with Blackpearl. Also named respondents were City Treasurer Emma Macuto and Budget Officer Edgar Mabunay.

Blackpearl President Baltaire Balangauan was also impleaded in the complaint.