Talisay councilor opposes compromised deal with "erring" market collector

CEBU, Philippines - A member of the minority bloc at the Talisay City Council has cautioned the city government from entering into a compromise agreement with an alleged erring city market collector for the reason that a complaint against the person has already been filed by the public assistance and corruption and prevention office of the Ombudsman-Visayas. 

Earlier, the Commission on Audit recommended the filing of charges against Libertad Juban, a Tabunok public market collector, for the alleged mishandling of collections, tampering official receipts, and manipulating records. 

But administration Councilor Dennis Basillote, chairman of the committee on the urban poor, has proposed to allow Mayor Socrates Fernandez to enter into an agreement with Juban for the assignment of a portion of her property in barangay Jaclupan, which is equivalent to 4,900 square meters as payment for her outstanding obligations to the city. 

This has prompted minority leader Councilor Romeo Villarante, a lawyer by profession, to question the proposed resolution. 

Juban has reportedly made a partial payment of her debt in the amount of P150,000 in September  11, 2009 as per Official Receipt No. 2855539, which leaves a balance of P2,116, 392.76. 

Villarante said the city accepted the offer and the payment although the case at the Ombudsman has not yet been resolved.

During last Tuesday’s session, Basillote said the City Appraisal Committee has found out that the value of Juban’s property is in excess and over the amount of her outstanding obligations. 

However, Villarante doubts the legality of the moves of the city government as it will appear the government condones Juban act.   

“It appears that we condone the act and we accept the payment although there is no final judgment yet on the case, there is no compromise agreement entered into by the parties. So I think we are not yet in the position to approve this resolution,” Villarante said. 

Villarante wants the committee on laws and the City Attorney’s Office to render their legal opinions before the city council makes a decision. 

“It would be best for these bodies to just refer first this resolution to the committee on laws and to our City Legal Officer,” Villarante said.

Vice Mayor Alan Bucao, the council presiding officer, deferred the approval of the resolution.