BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Deputy Ombudman for the Visayas Dante Vargas has forwarded to sitting Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and to chief city prosecutor Ma. Theresa Ditching the complaint of a businesswoman here against a village chief here who she claimed neglected his duty and violated Philippine anti-corruption laws.
Vargas, in his February 2024 order, asked Familiaran to take appropriate action on the administrative aspect of the complaint as he asked Ditching to do the same on the criminal side.
The order of Vargas came as he pointed out that Anieve’s position falls outside the exclusive jurisdiction of the Ombudsman but also pointed out that Prosecution Office can resolve the case with finality.
The Deputy Ombudman’s order was based on the complaint of Evelyn Camorongan aho owns Eve Tapsilogan, a fastfood joint in the city, who claimed that the Office of the Barangay of Mandalagan village has an unpaid balance of their accounts amounting to P46,046.50 that Anieve failed to settle “despite several verbal demands.”
Camorongan also claimed she sent demand letters to Anieve theough her manager, Rhazel Sarabia – first on 26 September 2023, and a follow up on 14 January 2024, both of which went unheeded by Anieve.
She added the failure of Anieve to “act and effect payment” on the valid and legal obligation of the Barangay to pay or settle its accounts is tantamount to gross neglect of duty” and violates the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Anieve has yet to answer to requests for interview by DNX when sought for comment.
