Catbalogan crippled by Ombudsman’s suspension orders

Ombudsman Samuel Martires has placed the mayor, vice mayor and nine councilors of Catbalogan City under suspension pending investigation of the city’s allegedly overpriced land purchase and anomalous market lease deal.

The preventive suspension of Mayor Stephany Tan, Vice Mayor Art Sherwin Gabon, the councilors and six city officials would last a maximum of six months without pay.

Also covered by the order were Councilors Coefredo Uy, Jeffry Uy, Maximo Pescos, Edward Uy, Christine Joy Escobar, Beethoven Bermejo, Nanette Jasmin, Melanie Macabare and Renante Aquino.

The investigation pertained to complaints filed separately by legislative staff officer Bernard Jake Ramos and the Catbalogan Public Market Vendors.

Ramos’ complaint involved the city’s October 2015 purchase of 8.0194-hectare agricultural lands owned by Alvin Cesar Laohoo and Lorenzo Laohoo Jr. for P120.225 million, 773 times the market value of P155,497.84.

The five parcels were “hastily” reclassified as residential, industrial, institutional and commercial land in June 2016. This hiked the total market value 444 times to P69.15 million. —Vince F. Nonato