3 Iloilo City Hall ‘loan sharks’ probed

FILE / official Facebook page of Mayor Jerry Treñas

ILOILO CITY — At least three City Hall officials in this city are facing an investigation for allegedly “preying on and pressing” employees to avail themselves of debt schemes.

City Mayor Jerry Treñas was mum on the identities of the city officials while the investigation was ongoing.

Treñas said the “pautang” or lending system had been existing since his stint as city councilor but stressed that this had to stop soon as it took advantage of employees, particularly job hires and casual workers.

“We don’t want one person’s position to be abused to squeeze employees, who are contracting debts,” he added.

“One of the reports was that they could not get their pay, or they could not borrow [money], or they cannot be renewed if they do not borrow from them,” Treñas said.

The mayor said the matter was being investigated by lawyers Joseph Edward Areño and Llonil Vitterbo of the City Legal Office.

Based on reports, three officials were involved.

“ I am also instructing [Areño] to investigate a report that there is an executive assistant requiring job hires to borrow money from her. Otherwise, their services will be terminated,” he said.

“ I have a City Hall official reported for giving loans despite not being requested. Even the groceries of other personnel have to be given to them,” he added.

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