Missing P90M: Execs asked to go on leave

LAOAG CITY—The Ilocos Norte provincial board passed a resolution on Monday requesting Mayor Chevylle Fariñas and her husband, Vice Mayor Michael Fariñas, to take a leave of absence pending an investigation of the missing P90 million from the city treasury.

The resolution was approved following a privilege speech by Board Member Vicentito Lazo, who demanded action on the irregularity now being investigated by the Commission on Audit and the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Treasurer Elena Asuncion disappeared after June 12 shortly after the report on the missing funds was leaked to the media.

The resolution was approved despite the objections raised by Board Member Ria Christina Fariñas, daughter of Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas and the vice mayor’s cousin.

She said, “Are you implying the officials are involved?”  Leilanie Adriano, Inquirer Northern Luzon