Tuburan mayor accused of irregular fund disbursements

CEBU, Philippines - A town councilor of Tuburan, Cebu has reported to the Office of the Ombudsman some “serious irregularities” allegedly perpetrated by her former ally, Mayor Democrito Diamante Jr.

Councilor Marie Tabotabo in her letter dated February 12, 2013 to Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas, Pelagio Apostol, mentioned various projects allegedly implemented by Diamante without authorization from the Sangguniang Bayan.

Diamante strongly denied the allegations saying that he has been using his personal money in some big projects while others are donations from private entities and friends.

He cited the recently-concluded medical mission conducted by the Bisaya Medical Association-USA last week to be the biggest ever in Cebu which benefited thousands of poor constituents.

 Diamante said he is looking for donors who will help fund the construction of health centers in the different barangays, since the group will donate its medical equipment to the municipal government.

Aside from medicines, the medical team brought with them some medical equipment needed for operations, hospital beds, wheelchairs, blankets, blood pressure apparatus, nebulizers, syringes, infant warming sets, urinary bags, bed pans and angiography supplies, among other equipment.

But Tabotabo asked the anti-graft office to investigate Diamante for spending P250,000 for meals during the said medical mission at P300 per head when only P80 per person is allowed.

Tabotabo also alleged that Diamante purchased surplus bulldozer in 2010 worth P6.2 million which broke down a week after.

She submitted a list of expenditures and asked the anti-graft office and the Commission on Audit to look how the funds were spent.

Diamante has assured of zero corruption in Tuburan when he first assumed as mayor in 2010.

Tabotabo is his former ally when they both ran under the Liberal Party in the 2010 election.

Tabotabo who is seeking reelection this May 13 election left Diamante’s camp and joined One Cebu Party, supporting the tandem of former mayor Rose Gerona Suezo and Daphne Arias Lagon.  (FREEMAN)