Fresnedi, facing graft raps, seeks Muntinlupa's top post

MANILA, Philippines - Former Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, who has been charged with graft in connection with P10 million worth of unliquidated cash advances, and members of his ticket filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) at the local Commission on Election (Comelec) office.

Fresnedi will challenge incumbent Mayor Aldrin San Pedro, who is set to file his COC today. Running as Fresnedi’s vice mayoralty bet under the Liberal Party is Marissa Cole Rongavilla.

Fresnedi’s candidates for District 1 councilors are Allen Ampaya, Louie Arciaga, Pat Boncayao, Ariel Dolleton, Ivory Hernandez, Erick Lorica, Benjie Trozado and Ronnie Solomon.

For District 2, Fresnedi said the candidates for councilors are Allan Miranda, Ariel Nosuente, Dado Moldez, Bernie Escobido, Met Santiago, Consuelo Navarro, Dannydon Nolasco and Bella Franco Pascual.

Fresnedi pledged to practice good governance, especially concerning fiscal management.

“If I will just think of myself, I’d rather not meddle in politics once more. However, I know I have a responsibility to the people whom I have served for several years, and are now asking for my assistance,” he said.

Fresnedi said he will be a leader who will make himself readily available to his constituents. “What the city needs now is a responsible leader who has accountability and can sustain the progress the city has attained without passing burden to future generations.”

The Office of the Ombudsman recently ordered Fresnedi to answer graft charges after it found “enough basis” regarding a criminal case filed against him by members of the Muntinlupa Muna Movement, who alleged that Fresnedi and former city accounting officer Lualhati Morales conspired to clear themselves of P10 million unliquidated cash advances that were made during Fresnedi’s term as mayor.

Fresnedi said Malacañang’s approval is necessary before he is finally able to liquidate cash advances made during his term as mayor. He said they have sent communications and letters to Malacañang but until now, he has not received a word from Palace officials.