Danao vice mayor asks ombuds to probe brother

CEBU, Philippines - Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III has asked the Office of the Ombudsman for the Visayas to investigate his brother Mayor Ramon Durano Jr. and other city officials for alleged irregularities with regards the alleged illegal realignment and disbursement of the P30-million financial assistance from the Cebu province for the rehabilitation of the water distribution in barangay Poblacion.

In a letter dated February 28, 2013 and addressed to Ombudsman for the Visayas head Pelagio Apostol, a copy of which made available to The Freeman, Vice Mayor Durano said he has sufficient reasons to believe that certain officials in Danao City led by his brother Mayor Ramon “Boy” Durano Jr. erred when he allegedly ordered the realignment of funds without the approval of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

According to Vice Mayor Durano, his brother and other city officials may also be liable for technical malversation, among others, by allegedly approving the disbursement in violation of the opinion of the Commission on Audit and the Memorandum Circular issued by Acting Cebu Governor Agnes Magpale.

Vice Mayor Durano said in October 26, 2009, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Danao City passed a proposed a resolution requesting financial assistance from the Province of Cebu for the rehabilitation of the water distribution pipes in barangay Poblacion for P30 million.

The vice mayor said on October 27, 2009, suspended Governor Gwen Garcia approved the request and charged the amount to the Annual Appropriation for water projects of the Province of Cebu under Capital Outlay.

He said that on January 19, 2010, the Sangguniang Panlungsod made another request through a resolution requesting for the release of P15 million.

Another resolution approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Danao had requested for the release of the remaining P15 million.

Vice Mayor Durano said on March 9, 2010, Governor Garcia ordered the release of the remaining P15 million.

But in 2011, the Commission on Audit had reported that the project has not been implemented.

Durano said in his affidavit, that as of August 31, 2012, P1,872,220 was already disbursed for expenses other than for the rehabilitation of the water pipes in barangay Poblacion, Danao City.

Mayor Durano allegedly ordered the release of P2,083, 259.19 for the wages of job order employees who plantilla was not covered by the appropriation approved by the city council.

Vice Mayor  Durano hopes the Office of the Visayas Ombudsman will look into the alleged irregularities allegedly committee by his brother Mayor Ramon “Boy” Durano Jr.

Aside from Mayor Durano, Vice Mayor Durano also asked Apostol to include other city officials of Danao who allegedly connived with Mayor Durano in allegedly disbursing funds.  (FREEMAN)