Sanchez sued over alleged Capitol workers in his farm

CEBU, Philippines - Capitol spokesman Rory Jon Sepulveda yesterday filed criminal complaints against Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez, Jr. before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas for allegedly assigning four casual employees from the Capitol to work in his private farm in Tuburan town.

After being informed of the formal filing of the complaints against him, Sanchez said he will call forward his witnesses to counter the accusation against him, including the mother of Governor Gwen Garcia, retired judge Esperanza Fiel Garcia and Provincial Agriculturist Necias Vicoy.

Sepulveda, who said he filed the complaint against Sanchez as a private citizen of Cebu, said Sanchez violated Section 3 of Republic Act No. 3010 or persuading, inducing or influencing another public officer to perform an act constituting a violation of rules and regulations duly promulgated by competent authority or an offense in connection with official duties of the latter.

Sepulveda also cited Section 3 of Republic Act 3019 or directly or indirectly receiving any benefit, for himself or for any other person, in connection with any contract or transaction between the government and any other party, wherein, the public officer in his official capacity has to intervene under the law.

The complaint against Sanchez is based on the findings of the investigating committee headed by provincial legal officer Marino Martinquilla. The committee found out that there were four casual employees under Sanchez who have been working outside the Capitol.

The four casual employees were identified as Manuel Montebon Sr., Edilberto Esdrelon, Chrissie Jane Iman and Elmer Bontila. These employees are allegedly reporting only to the Capitol every Monday because most of the time they are working in Sanchez’ farm. 

Sanchez has insisted that there was nothing illegal when they conducted a seminar in his farm in Tuburan.   (FREEMAN NEWS)