Village chief, 2 others face malversation raps
A village chief and two other barangay officials of Brgy. Noynoy in City Proper district, Iloilo City are facing administrative charges for malversation of public funds.
Brgy. Capt. Josefina Hilado, barangay treasurer Marcelino Espeso Jr. and barangay kagawad Wenefredo Tyones have been accused by other members of the barangay council of releasing P700,000 that failed to serve its purpose.
The complainants claimed that 26 checks have been encashed by their treasurer, however, the money was not used to pay for barangay projects, honoraria, bonuses and other benefits from 2009 up to present.
They also said projects under the Barangay Development Plan were not implemented despite the releases of the budget allocated for the purpose.
The complaint was endorsed to the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas, Department of Interior and Local Government in Iloilo City, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, and Liga ng mga Barangay President Irene Ong.
Earlier, Deputy Ombudsman for Visayas Pelagio Apostol said most of the cases filed against barangay officials are for malversation of public funds.
In fact, he said several barangay officials have been dismissed from service after they were found guilty for such offense.*