JVR eyes libel vs accuser

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes yesterday said he is looking at all means to file counter-charges against Lorete Bonete who has lodged a complaint against him before the Ombudsman over the purchase of a P3.5 million rescue vehicle.

Delos Reyes said he has not yet received any copy of the complaint from the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.

If a complaint is filed before the Ombudsman, the subject of the complaint is normally given a certain time to answer the charges.

De los Reyes said he can't afford to just sit back after Bonete accused him of feeding his grandchildren from money which allegedly comes from illegal sources.

"I will file libel and moral damages against her. Sayonan ka lang ingnon ka nga akong gipakaon ang akong apo sa gikan sa corrupt(ion)? Basin nakalimot si Lorete nga dugay nako nagpakaon sa mga tawo sa wala pa ko na-opisyal," De los Reyes said.

Bonete's complaint was based on the Commission on Audit report dated March 31, 2014 showing that the payment the city made for a brand new Model JAC Stallion 4X4 pick-up was higher than usual.

The complainant alleged that compared to a Toyota Hi-lux, which is of similar make and even has higher engine displacement, the purchased vehicle cost 32.20 percent more "and therefore considered excessive."

In its audit report, COA noted that the Talisay City government spent an excess of P780,000 in buying the rescue vehicle from D' Limitless Vehicle Ventures Corporation.

The City Hall also paid P175,000 as advance payment for a lifetime warranty on service and parts, which is "not allowable" as the vehicle is still covered with a warranty.

Bonete sued the mayor for alleged violations of Republic Act 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) and of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).

The mayor believes there are people who are trying to discredit him because of politics. He labelled Bonete as a "hired person."

"Binayran ug nangkwarta ra man gud na siya aron maoy mo-file og kaso batok nako," he said, further claiming that the complainant is not serious with her complaint because it was only him and his son, City Administrator John Yre, who are implicated in the case. (FREEMAN)