Rama to Ombudsman: Release status of case

CEBU, Philippines- Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has asked the Office of the Ombudsman to give him update on the status of the criminal complaint he filed more than two years ago against former south district congressman Tomas Osmeña.

Rama made a follow-up on the case after receiving information that the complaint has been resolved by the anti-graft office in the Visayas in December 2013 but the result has not been released until now.

Rama sent a letter to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales seeking for the release of the findings or the status of his complaint.

Rama filed the complaint for violation of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices sometime in 2012 against Osmeña.

The complaint stemmed from Osmeña’s alleged use of two Dodge Charger cars worth P2 million which businessman Michael Gleissner of Bigfoot Entertainment allegedly donated to the city government during his administration as mayor.

Rama said they have obtained information that the Ombudsman-Visayas has already resolved his complaint and that the findings were transmitted to Manila for Morales’ approval.

“Your assistance will greatly aid this office in informing the interested constituency of the Cebu City on the status of the case and will likewise serve as a deterrent among public officials that no wrongdoing shall be overlooked by the city government,” read Rama’s letter addressed to Morales.

 Rama claimed that Osmeña, after his term as mayor ended in 2010, brought with him two units of Dodge Charger vehicles that were donated to the city by Gleissner. The vehicles were reportedly donated in 2009.

Rama alleged that Osmeña tried to conceal irregularities in his receipt of and use of the cars by having them painted black and white with the official seal of the city government and the words Cebu City Police.

Osmeña earlier claimed that Gleissner did not pursue his donation and instead sold the two US-made vehicles to his sister, Minnie Osmeña, hence his possession of the vehicles.

The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees prohibits public officials and employees from soliciting or accepting, directly or indirectly, “any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value from any person in the course of their officials duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by, or any transaction which may be affected by the functions of their office.”

 The prohibitions, according the law, continue to apply for one year after resignation, retirement, or separation from public office. (FREEMAN)