Diamante eyes plunder case versus predecessor

CEBU, Philippines – Tuburan Mayor Democrito "Aljon" Diamante said he will file a plunder case against his predecessor after the Commission on Audit reported that a total of P48 million municipal funds could be missing.

Diamante believes that former mayor Constancio Suezo has squandered the amount prompting him to also hire a team of investigators to look into the financial transactions entered into by his predecessor.

"I believe di lang kay forty eight million pesos, sobra pa ana. Maybe mga one hundred million tingali. Mu file gyud ko ug kiha niya possible nga plunder case kay kwarta na sa lungsod ang nawala," Diamante told The FREEMAN.

He accused Suezo of having P800,000 unliquidated cash advances until now.

According to Diamante, he will file the case as soon as his team of investigators finishes looking into the financial transactions of Suezo.

Diamante denied Suezo's claim that a transition team has turned over all the financial documents of the town to him.

"Wala siyay gihimo nga transition team. Iyaha man gani gi-abandon ang lungsod pa-ghuman sa election," Diamante said.

In fact, Suezo was reportedly summoned by the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas in June to explain why he abandoned his duties and responsibilities.

Diamante added that he even had a hard time locating the keys of the municipal government's vehicles when he assumed office.

The Mayor said the antiques in the town's museum as well as various office equipments were also missing.

"I am closely coordinating [with] COA to see to it that all the missing properties is recovered because it is my duty to protect the interest of the municipal government," the mayor said. (FREEMAN)