MANILA, Philippines – Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has sued his former consultant, retired police general Roberto Calinisan for malversation of funds and graft for allegedly diverting P6 million from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) into foundations.

In a six-page complaint filed Sept. 17 at the City Prosecutor’s Office, Lim also charged Calinisan with estafa through falsification of public documents and violation of Section 3 (a, b and e) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Lim alleged that Calinisan, whom he hired last year as consultant on police and security matters, conspired with Crisologo Manansala, Rolly Deloria and Rodelio Salas in moving Pagcor funds meant for the city government to the Jobs for the Hopeless Persons Association.

Calinisan Friday denied involvement in the money transfer, and told the Inquirer the case stemmed from the mayor’s removal from the Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) leadership.

Lim and Calinisan were both leaders of the PMP until its founder, former President Joseph Estrada, suddenly announced on Aug. 20 Lim’s ouster as president.

“I have not dealt with Pagcor for the release of funds and I have not signed anything. He’s (Lim) just sour-graping because he was kicked out of the party. Wala siyang utang na loob,” (He is ungrateful) said the current PMP director for special concerns.

Calinisan said the PMP, especially Estrada, supported Lim during the elections for mayor.

But after his election, Calinisan claimed the mayor did not help those who helped him win.

In the complaint sheet, Lim said Calinisan offered to become his “liaison” to Pagcor. Instead, he said Manansala, Deloria and Salas, who were not City Hall employees, asked for the release of funds to the Ilaw ng May Kapansanan Foundation in August 2007 and a fund transfer to Jobs for the Hopeless Persons Association.

“At the time Pagcor received the letter of respondent Deloria on Oct. 3, 2007, Jobs for the Hopeless Persons Association was not yet incorporated. It was only incorporated on Oct. 11, 2007,” Lim said.

The mayor said that without his knowledge or consent, Pagcor processed the request and released six P1 million checks covering the months of September 2007-February 2008 to the respondents.