Isko Moreno to file charges vs negligent City Hall employees

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said Tuesday he will file criminal and administrative charges against current and former employees of the City Hall found to be negligent at work.

There should be proof, however, before an action is taken, Moreno said in a press briefing.

“If there will be negligence on the part of employees of City Hall who are still with us, we will go and pursue administrative charges. And if there is abuse, graft on their part, criminal charges will be filed against them,” Moreno said.

“Those people or individuals who are out of public office already, if there is proof that there is graft or abuse on their part during the time of public service, criminal charges will be filed against them,” he added.

Moreno’s statement followed the release of a Commission on Audit (COA) report showing that the previous Manila administration had over ₱141 million worth of questionable transactions from April 1 until June 30.

READ: COA report says Estrada left Manila with P141-M in unresolved transactions

The mayor said he does not want to waste his time filing charges against individuals without any proof.

“Ayaw kong sayangin ang oras ng pamahalaang lungsod, ang resources ng pamahalaang lungsod, ang oras kong tugunan bigyan ng panahon ang mga suliranin ikinaharap ng lungsod at mga mamamayang ito without valid evidence so para may matibay kaming panghawakan,” he said.

(I do not want to waste the time of the city government as well as its resources without valid evidence. There should be proof.)

Asked whether the filing of charges may include former Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, Moreno said: “We don’t have to name names kasi (because) the document speaks for itself.”

INQUIRER.net tried to ask the camp of Estrada for comment on the report but has not received a response as of posting time. (Editor: Eden Estopace)