A Marilao, Bulacan resident has sought for the immediate preventive suspension of Marilao, Bulacan Mayor Henry Lutao and Vice Mayor Jun Bob dela Cruz after lodging a complaint against them and others before the Office of the Ombudsman over the alleged illegal repacking of relief goods from the Department of Social Welfare Development intended for Typhoon ‘Carina’ victims.
Complainant Alexander Montilla, accompanied by lawyer Jonnie Gonzales, filed grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, conduct unbecoming of a public official and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service as mandated under Republic Act 10121 otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 against the town’s top officials.
Other co-respondents include Councilor Allaine Sayo, Barangay Sta. Rosa II councilwoman Jennifer Uy-Estero and one Philam Mendoza.
Gonzales told Good Riddance about the need to preventively suspend the mayor and his co-respondents to prevent any possible interference with witnesses or evidence.
If found guilty, the respondents would be made to pay fines ranging from P50, 000 to P500, 000, imprisonment from six years to 12 years and perpetual disqualification from public office for the public officers.
In the same complaint, in which he attached pieces of evidence including photos and a video footage which allegedly showed the respondents monitoring municipal personnel while repackaging the relief goods from DSWD inside the town hall.
Gonzales said that his client’s affidavit would provide compelling evidence of the mishandling and misrepresentation of relief goods provided by the DSWD which were intended for the victims of typhoon-enhanced southwest monsoon, locally known as ‘habagat,’ in the town.
”The complaint is substantiated by a series of annexes including screenshots, witnesses’ testimonies and social media posts revealing a systematic and deceptive repackaging of relief goods by the accused officials.”
Montilla said he’s confident that the Ombudsman would take a closer look and conduct an immediate investigation based on his complaint.
His counsel stressed that the complaint would shed light “on a disturbing pattern of misconduct and abuse of authority, highlighting the detrimental impact on the affected residents and the integrity of relief operations in Marilao.”
