Plunder, graft raps filed vs Lanao Sur governor over ‘P243M unexplained wealth’

By: Cynthia D. Balana - 10 years ago

Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. SCREENGRAB from www.lpp.gov.ph

MANILA, Philippines—Plunder and graft complaints were filed against Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. before the Office of the Ombudsman, on Wednesday, for alleged unexplained increase in his net worth since he assumed office in 2007.

The 25-page complaint was filed by a group called Sautol Haqq or The Voice of Truth, which claimed the governor was debt-ridden prior to his election to his present position.

The complaint was signed by Alim Sarangani, lawyer Salic Dumarpa, Dimapuno Ramos-Datu, Baguindali Paculana, Ashary Maongco, Alim Abdulabasit Hadji Nor, Alim Imran Abdulhamid, Alim Jalalodin Sarangani, Diamel P. Serad, Bontalis Mala, and Alipikre Basher, all convenors of Sautol Haqq.

The complainants accused Adiong of allegedly enriching himself while in office through “misappropriation, malversation of public funds, receiving commission and kickbacks… taking undue advantage of his official position.”

It said that Adiong, owner of a residential house at Pangao Saduc, Marawi City, allegedly had an outstanding obligation of P85 million from then Maguindanao Gov. Datu Antal Ampatuan in 2007 before the former assumed office on June 30, 2007.

“As time passed, since he became governor up to the present, Governor Adiong amassed and acquired ‘ill-gotten wealth’ by himself, directly or indirectly, through dummies, agents, associates or subordinates by a combination or series of overt or criminal acts,” the complaint said.

It said that as of December 2013, Adiong has accumulated P243 million in assets, which appeared to be disproportionate to his income as governor.

Now, Adiong’s properties allegedly included a construction firm, a hotel and condominium, apartments, dormitories, a convention center and even a rice mill.

The complaint insisted that Adiong and members of his family have had no other source of income except for his take home pay as governor.

“If this is so, the unexplained wealth enumerated above are derived from appropriation, misappropriation or consent, or through abandonment or negligence, permitted another person to take public property or public funds under his custody,” the complaint said.