Ombudsman clears ex-mayor, 7 execs in COVID-19 aid mess
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — The Ombudsman of the Philippines Samuel Martires has dismissed graft and administrative charges against former City of San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago due to lack of probable cause and substantial evidence in the overpricing of relief goods given during the pandemic lockdown.
Martires also cleared seven other officials, 10 administrative aides and three private contractors in a joint resolution signed last Feb. 3 and obtained by the Inquirer last Friday (March 17).
Former village chief Melchor Caluag, accompanied by then Local Government Undersecretary for barangay affairs Martin Diño, filed the cases on June 19, 2020 following an investigation by the Sangguniang Panglunsod (SP) into unspent funds amounting to P20 million.
The complainant is husband of incumbent Mayor Vilma Caluag, then an ex-officio member of the SP.
“No report of any irregularities as found by the SP was presented,” a part of the 19-page resolution said.
“Verily, records show that the [Commission of Audit], after conducting six audits for the period 31 March 2020 to 31 December 2021, found that the office of respondent Santiago, representing the government of City of San Fernando, Pampanga, has zero notice of disallowance, suspension and charges, thereby belying complainant’s claim of overpricing and/or irregularities in the procurements made March 2020 to June 2020,” the resolution stated.
It said that Caluag “failed to present any substantial proof” that Santiago built dangerous roads and bought vehicles and lands for his benefit. — Tonette Orejas INQ
