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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider House 'Young Guns' eye probe on alleged funds misuse in Bauan, Batangas

House 'Young Guns' eye probe on alleged funds misuse in Bauan, Batangas

Published Jan 16, 2025 06:02 pm

At A Glance

  • Members of the House "Young Guns" bloc are seeking an investigation on the alleged misuse of public funds and irregularities in the operations of the offices of the mayor and vice mayor of Bauan, Batangas, under Mayor Ryanh Dolor.

20240401_182220(1).jpgHouse of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members of the House "Young Guns" bloc are seeking an investigation on the alleged misuse of public funds and irregularities in the operations of the offices of the mayor and vice mayor of Bauan, Batangas, under Mayor Ryanh Dolor.

Filed for this purpose was House Resolution (HR) No. 2148, which is aimed at upholding good governance and combating corruption.

Young Guns members Deputy Majority Leader La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V; Assistant Majority Leaders Taguig City 2nd district Rep. Amparo Maria Zamora, Zambales 1st district Rep. Jeff Khonghun, Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon; and Assistant Minority Leader 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez were behind the measure.

HB No.2148 stated that “The Commission on Audit (COA) issued a Notice of Disallowance dated November 28, 2018, identifying irregularities in the bidding process and in transactions with Aquadata,Inc., which was awarded a General Management Contract (GMC) despite failing to meet legal and financial qualifications; the privatization of the BWS resulted in a grossly disadvantageous revenue-sharing arrangement,granting Aquadata,Inc. 95% of net revenues while the Municipality retained only 5%,and led to substantial financial losses for the local government.”

The three-page measure said that subsequent extensions of the GMC through a holdover agreement and the eventual sale of the BWS facility at a grossly undervalued price of P100,636,000--despite its assessed value of P148,000,000--further compounded the financial disadvantage to the Municipality of Bauan.

It cited irregularities in the privatization and/or alleged leasing of the land, which may constitute a violation of Republic Act (RA) No.3019, otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

In a related development, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a Certificate of Finality in the case Danilo A. Marquez vs. Arlene Bantugon Magboo (SPA No. 24-264). 

The Comelec (En Banc) denied the Motion for Reconsideration (MR) filed by the respondent, Arlene Bantugon Magboo, mayoralty candidate in San Pascual, Batangas thereby rendering the decision final and executory as of January 14, 2025.

The resolution of these cases resonates with the ongoing commitment of key political figures from Batangas' 2nd district to fight against opportunistic and exploitative political practices. 

Both the House inquiry and the Comelec final resolution signify a strengthened effort to uphold the integrity of public office, and reinforces the importance of lawful and transparent practices in governance.

In a seven-page decision, the Comelec en banc upheld their earlier decision to junk the candidacy of Magboo. 

“This is to certify on 07 January 2025, the Commission promulgated a Resolution in the above-entitled case, the dispositive portion of which reads: ‘Wherefore the premises considered, the Commission (en banc) resolved, as it hereby resolves to deny the motion for reconsideration so ordered.’ the decision said.

The poll body said that the promulgation dated January 7, 2025 “is final and executory".

 

Related Tags

Young Guns House of Representatives COMELEC Bauan
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