Emilio Eugenio Zayco has filed a formal complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman in Cebu City, accusing the city mayor and seven members of Kabankalan City’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of committing criminal and administrative violations.
City Administrator MacLord Zafra told Brigada News FM-Kabankalan on Monday, February 3, that they received the complaint on January 13 and immediately submitted their counter-affidavit to address all the allegations.
The complaint accuses City Mayor Benjie Miranda, BAC Chairman Mello Teovisio, and BAC members Efraim Cordero, Gerard Dunque, Joemel Porol, Bimbo Lavides, Roldan Dunque, and Zafra.
Zayco accuses the officials of violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, specifically Section 3, paragraphs (b), (e), and (f). These provisions define the following corrupt practices:
- Paragraph (b): Directly or indirectly requesting or receiving any gift, present, share, percentage, or benefit, for himself or for any other person, in connection with any contract or transaction between the Government and any other part, wherein the public officer in his official capacity has to intervene under the law.
- Paragraph (e): Causing any undue injury to any party, including the Government, or giving any private party any unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference in the discharge of his official administrative or judicial functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence. This provision shall apply to officers and employees of offices or government corporations charged with the grant of licenses or permits or other concessions.
- Paragraph (f): Neglecting or refusing, after due demand or request, without sufficient justification, to act within a reasonable time on any matter pending before him for the purpose of obtaining, directly or indirectly, from any person interested in the matter some pecuniary or material benefit or advantage, or for the purpose of favoring his own interest or giving undue advantage in favor of or discriminating against any other interested party.
Zayco also accuses the officials of grave abuse of authority, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, grave misconduct, and violations of Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Politically-motivated?
Zafra said they have submitted a satisfactory response to all allegations. He explained that the complaint primarily focuses on the BAC members, and Miranda just got implicated because of his role as the sitting mayor and head of the procuring entity.
He also refuted social media posts that accused Miranda of being the chief architect of the alleged violations, calling the claims false and baseless.
Zafra avoided labeling the complaint as politically motivated but encouraged the public to scrutinize the timing and nature of the allegations.
However, he referenced Miranda’s statement in a media interview, where the mayor tagged the issue as “politically-motivated.”
Zafra clarified that filing a case does not imply guilt. “Filing a case and making accusations are easy—but proving them is difficult,” he said.
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He also criticized the person(s) behind the complaint, saying, “They weaponize complaints before the Ombudsman, spread them on social media, and turn them into black propaganda. What’s even more ridiculous is that those first spreading these claims online don’t even understand the legalities behind the case.”
Zafra urged the people of Kabankalan to stay critical and thoughtful in the face of these accusations.
“Kabankalanons, don’t be easily deceived. Be wise — read, analyze, and determine whether these accusations are rooted in truth or driven by politics,” he said. — with reports from Brigada Andy Galve
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.