Speedy resolution of Cotabato mayor’s plunder case sought

MANILA, Philippines — Members of the Sangguniang Panglunsod of Cotabato and private citizens have urged the Office of the Ombudsman to speed up the investigation of a plunder case filed against Mayor Mohammed Ali Matabalao and four other officials.

The complaint – filed last year by Councilors Marouf Pasawiran, Abdulrakim Usman, Hunyn Abu, Kusin Taha, Henjie Ali and Datu Noriel Pasawiran as well as private residents Mohamad Abubakar, Tato Esmail, Al-Jehad Tantung and Zhoher Anggar – was in connection with the alleged misuse of an P89.41-million fund for local development projects.

The complainants said the speedy result of the investigation would help enlighten voters as the May election is drawing near.

Matabalao is seeking reelection. His candidacy is being challenged by Vice Mayor Johari Butch Abu and former mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi.

Aside from Matabalao, named as respondents in the case were city accountant Primitivo Glimada Jr., treasurer Teddy Inta, budget officer Regina Detalla and planning and development coordinator Ma. Adela Fiesta.

The complaint stemmed from the disbursement of funds loaned by the city government from the Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), which were approved by the city council and enacted under City Ordinance 4609 in 2018.

Under the ordinance, the P636-million loan from the DBP will be used to procure a property for the establishment of economic zones, markets, terminals, cold storage, ice plants and other development projects.

The complainants said data from the DBP showed that the money was released on July 19, 2019 and June 30, 2024.

The complainants said Matabalao acknowledged the receipt of the P118.53 million from the city treasurer’s office.

They said the mayor claimed that a payment of P52.60 million had been made to the DBP.

Citing bank records, the complainants said the city government only paid P29.12 million. They said Matabalao and his co-respondents failed to account for the missing funds.