Politics behind lifestyle check

CEBU, Philippines - One of those affected by the demolition along Mahiga Creek went to the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas to submit evidence to support their move for a lifestyle check on Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes.

But Mayor Cortes, in a telephone interview, said politics is behind the issue.

“It’s obviously politically motivated. I will no longer answer accusations and I will just face it in the proper forum,” the mayor said.

Roberto Letaba, a resident of Philcadan, Banilad, Mandaue City earlier asked for a lifestyle check on Cortes who he claims owns a multi-million newly built house in Sacres, Barangay Bakilid, Mandaue City.

Letaba presented last Friday photos of the alleged multi-million house of Cortes to Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol.

He said he requested the Ombudsman to check if this was from ill-gotten wealth. He also claims that Cortes acquired other real and personal properties during his incumbency as mayor.

“We know how much his salary is,” he said.

Apostol received the evidence presented by Letaba. He said a lifestyle check is already a fact-finding investigation. He added that they will look into the Statements of Assets and Liabilities (SALN) of Cortes.

Apostol said they welcome reports or complaints about ill-gotten wealth of public officials as part of their fight against corruption.

The move for a lifestyle check came after members of urban poor organizations Philcadan and Sitio Rosal Neighborhood Association in Banilad, Mandaue City were relocated to the 6.5-hectare that Cortes provided them.

However, Letaba and the other affected families said the relocation site is a timberland and is not a safe place for them to live in. The relocation site located in Paknaan, Mandaue City is intended for the 120 families affected by the demolition.  (FREEMAN)