LGU officials fight over "anomalies"

CORTES, BOHOL, Philippines - The political tandem of Mayor Apolinaria Balistoy and Vice Mayor Danilo Montero of this town, about 7 kms from the city, has turned sour as both traded barbs over what they believed to be "anomalies" that now escalate into a full blown legal tussle.

While Balistoy and her son-councilor are facing initial probe by the Ombudsman following the filing by Montero's group of complaints for an investigation of many alleged anomalies, the mayor countered by moving for the vice mayor's ouster.

In a phone interview with The FREEMAN, Montero said he remained undaunted with the mayor's present move to oust him via the recall initiative.

Montero said there maybe some 16 or 18 counts of alleged anomalies against the mayor and her son, ranging from unexplained various travels outside the station with her son, Councilor Junn Eckhart Balistoy, to alleged alteration of receipts in a catering by a Cebu-based provider.

Most of these were findings of the Commission on Audit, Montero said, although these remain to be proven yet in court.

Asked what prompted him and his men to lodge petitions for an investigation of the mayor, Montero said they just want to let the people know "the real score in this town in the name of good governance."

Just recently, a panel of investigators commissioned by the Ombudsman conducted an ocular fact-finding mission after summoning the mayor and others. More investigations are coming, said Montero.

A trusted aide of Balistoy however hinted that what might triggered the filing of complaints was the mayor's refusal to allow the vice mayor and two councilors, all businessmen, to deal business with the municipal government. He did not give details.

The identities of the two councilors have been withheld pending the issuance of statements from their sides on the case. Repeated calls to contact Balistoy about the charges did not materialize also. - THE FREEMAN