Braganza unfazed by kapitans’ charges
“AN old harassment suit repackaged as new.”
This was how Alaminos City Mayor Hernani Braganza described the charges filed against him by 11 barangay kapitans before the Office of the Ombudsman several months ago for alleged non-release of funds and confiscation of vehicles.
Braganza, who is running for governor in May 2013 under the Liberal Party, said the filing of charges is “an obvious dirty political trick”, hinting that the kapitans are supporting incumbent Gov. Amado Espino Jr. who is running for re-election.
“The reason is very glaring and a close check at those who filed the cases would further reveal their ulterior motive,” Braganza said.
Those who filed the complaint were Barangay Captains Ester Bernal, Jessie Racraquin, Eusebio Fronda, Jr. Ronald Bautista, Milagros Payas, Joeffrey Orfinada, Samuel Alcantara, Trinidad Soriano, Victor Ranches, Mario Rabadon and Joe Regatcho.
Charged along with Braganza are Alaminos City Administrator Wilmer Panabang, Budget Officer Rowena Ruiz, City Treasurer Shirley dela Cruz and City Planning Development Officer Roel Anonuevo.
The case against involved the alleged withholding of the P1,170,000 yearly Barangay Aid appropriations shares and the confiscation of 11 patrol cars intended for 11 barangays in the city.
The complainants alleged that from 2010 to the present, Braganza and his co-accused withheld the share of barangays Amandiego, Balayang, Baleyadaan, Cayucay, Landoc, Pangapisan, Poblacion, San Vicente, Telbang, Victoria and Balangobong in the P1,170,000 yearly Barangay Aid appropriations.
In 2010, the accused also confiscated the 11 patrol cars of the same barangays involved in the anti-graft complaint.
The complainants alleged that the confiscation of the barangay patrol vehicles constituted acts of oppression, grave misconduct and abuse of authority, citing that the barangays themselves had appropriated a counterpart share of P180,000 each or one-third of the total appropriation for the purchase of the said vehicles.
Braganza’s lawyers had already moved for the dismissal of the cases, citing perjurious statements made by the kapitans in their allegations.
Braganza said the Alaminos City Budget Office has already provided the Ombudsman with documents proving that all the barangays received the aid due them.
On the vehicles, Braganza said the city government recalled the L-300 Mitsubishi vans for repair and proper maintenance after they were found to be unserviceable and unsafe for transport.
“It is a pity that the complainants never took efforts to take care of government property entrusted to them for the delivery of services to their constituents,” the mayor said.—Eva Visperas
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