BY SHIELA GELERA
The barangay captain and nine other officials of Mansilingan in Bacolod City were charged for alleged irregularities in the selection of Social Amelioration Program cash grant recipients during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, before the Bacolod City Prosecutor’s Office yesterday.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bacolod personnel assisted the complainants in the filing of multiple charges against Mansilingan Brgy. Captain Rodulfo Pico Jr., barangay secretary Edward Menesis, purok presidents Julius Villaflor and Victorious Christally Valenzuela, and kagawads Gina Gilbor, Amelita Mondejar, Gregorio Beniten, Lourdes Palma, Anabelle Javier, and Mercedes Rory Capunong.
The charges are for violations of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, RA 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and RA 11469, or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.
The four complaints, Roy Jesus Giua, Benggie Debuyan, Marites Castillo, and Maria Cecilia Tan, issued the joint affidavit submitted before Assistant City Prosecutor Allan Vir Gumahin.
They accused the respondents, who are members of the Barangay Selection Process Team, of allegedly manipulating the selection of beneficiaries qualified to avail of the SAP during the period April 24 to 30.
Last week, 11 officials of Barangay Mandalagan were also charged before the Bacolod City Prosecutor’s Office through the CIDG-Bacolod for similar violations.*SSG with a report from PNA
