URBIZTONDO–Political harassment is behind the accusations of malversation against her, said Loida Cancino, municipal treasurer of this town for 11 years.

“I am ready to face any investigation to clear my name because I know I am not guilty,” a tearful Cancino told The PUNCH in an interview.

Cancino also decried what she said was an unfair treatment from the media.

Mayor Ernesto Balolong has sought Cancino’s transfer and called for a special audit of the town’s financial status due to alleged irregularities.

The mayor, elected in the May election for the first time, has filed a sworn complaint before Commission on Audit (COA) Chairman Guillermo Carague dated August 29.

Cancino is a known supporter of defeated former mayor Abelardo Arambulo.

The complaint seeks a special audit on the financial condition of his town and accused Cancino of some irregularities, including suppressing information about the town’s bank accounts, irregular deposits, juggling of funds, using the town’s funds for personal purposes, insubordination, incompetence, and lack of transparency.

Cancino said Balolong’s accusations are “baseless”.

She also denied using municipal funds for her money lending business.

Cancino’s complaint is supported by sworn affidavits of some municipal employees attesting Cancino’s lending operations.

“I will fight. The truth will come out. I have to clear my name,” Cancino said.

She said she will also contest her transfer to another town because “that would mean I am guilty”.

Cancino also noted that she was even cited last March 12, 2007 by the Office of the Provincial Treasurer as second placer in the entire province for being the top collector in local revenues and in real property tax collection and for submission of reports. #

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