LUCBAN, Quezon – Police are tracking down the treasurer of Barangay 1 here who allegedly used barangay funds to pay for her online gambling debts.
DOWNTOWN Lucban, Quezon. (Wikipedia)
Officer-on-case Police Master Sgt. Jomar Villaflor identified the suspect as Jessa Rosales.
Chairman Godofredo L. Martinez and councilor Angelina Saludares Rañeses, chairperson of the committee on budget and finance, filed a complaint before the police on Dec. 24 against Rosales.
Investigation said Martinez asked the suspect on Dec. 17 to encash a check to pay the honorarium, salary, and performance enhancement incentive of barangay officials.
However, the suspect said no budget was available for the month of December, prompting the complainants to verify the matter with the Landbank of the Philippines-Lucban branch.
Bank statements obtained by the two barangays officials showed that the suspect withdrew three checks with a total amount of P340,000 without their knowledge in November and December.
They claim that the suspect misused public funds for personal gain. Investigation also revealed that the suspect was addicted to online gaming.
The suspect faces a criminal complaint for violating Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code (malversation of public funds) before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Lucena City, Quezon.