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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider ‎Cebu City councilor faces estafa, extortion raps

‎Cebu City councilor faces estafa, extortion raps

Published Aug 8, 2026 06:26 pm
Photo via Calvin Cordova
Photo via Calvin Cordova
CEBU CITY – A member of the Cebu City council is facing criminal and administrative complaints for alleged estafa and extortion.

A criminal complaint was filed against Cebu City Councilor Jose Lorenzo Abellanosa before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office.
Jose Marcelo R. Bumanglag and Maria Melanie F. Bumanglag, representatives of BUMI Construction Development & Supply, filed separate administrative complaints against Abellanosa before the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged serious dishonesty, commission of a crime involving moral turpitude, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
‎Documents identified Abellanosa’s legal name as Jose Lorenzo Retuya.

The councilor has yet to publicly comment on the issue.
‎The charges stemmed from Cocolife’s Palmhavens Memorial Park-Bacolod Phase 2 project.
‎In its complaint, BUMI accused Abellanosa of claiming influence over Cocolife’s management and could help secure the project.
‎BUMI went on to secure the project on Sept. 30, 2021. The company alleged that Abellanosa demanded payments and warned that the project could be disrupted or terminated if payments stopped.
‎The complainants said six payments were made from October 2021 to April 2022 totaling P26.8 million, including an alleged P8.3 million cash payment at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City on Oct. 19, 2021.
‎The complainants added that Abellanosa allegedly asked for another P1 million for his wedding, citing his role to ensure that the project would go to BUMI. The complainants said the demand was made through an Oct. 20, 2021 Viber message.

The Makati City Prosecutor’s Office issued a July 7, 2026 subpoena directing Abellanosa to submit his counter-affidavit and supporting documents within five days and appear on July 20 and July 27 for clarificatory proceedings.
‎According to BUMI, the councilor denied claiming influence over Cocolife or guaranteeing the project.
‎The company contradicted the councilor’s denial, citing his Viber messages and other documents.
‎Abellanosa denied receiving the money despite bank records, signed agreements, and communications documenting the P26.8 million in payments, the company alleged.
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