Pelayo to P-Noy: Free CIAC from corruption

BY: JOEL P. MAPILES

QUEZON CITY---- Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo yesterday filed before the Office of the Ombudsman charges of malversation of public funds, dishonesty and violation of RA No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against CIAC president and Chief Executive Officer Victor Jose I. Luciano.

“Public office is a public trust,” Pelayo started. “It was scandalous for us to find out that Luciano treated the facilities of Clark as if it were his private property. Was his very high salary not enough?”

The other respondents in the case include CIAC officers Silverio A. Clemente and Ruel T. Angeles; Clark Development Authority (CDC) officers Arnel T. Pineda and Tarcicius T. Tiotuyco; alleged president of the Office of the Tribal Chieftains Oscar Dizon; alleged president of the Bamban Aeta Tribal Association, Inc. (BATA) Oscar Rivera; and Josie Gomez and Antonio O. Castro, both private individuals.

Pelayo, concurrent president of the Pampanga Mayors League (PML), was joined by other two complainants in filing the case namely Angel Manalo representing the Sta. Maria Dapdap, Mawaque Farmers Association; and Jose Paguinto, president of the Municipal Agricultural and Fisheries Council of Candaba.

Complaint

In a 12-page complaint, Pelayo narrated that Luciano caused the demolition of 17 economically repairable and serviceable buildings owned by the government amounting to P100 million.

“These demolished facilities could have been used as dormitories for employees who work in various enterprises inside Clark, as training centers and as agricultural food hubs for both domestic and foreign demands,” he said.

“As a matter of fact, if these buildings were renovated instead, they could have been leased to locators and consequently would have brought much needed investments in the area,” Pelayo added.

A Fact-Finding Committee report attached to the complaint also stated that the demolitions were undertaken without the benefit of public biddings and without having to account to the government the proceeds thereof.

The Fact Finding Committee composed of members of the CIAC board of directors includes Arch. Nestor Mangio, Rafael L. Angeles and Jesus S. Nicdao. Hearings/meetings/interviews were conducted by the committee between June 7-21, 2010, Pelayo said.

“Further, Luciano and his cohorts used the Aeta community to cover their malversation. According to the report, they purportedly and generously donated to the Aeta groups the said buildings. However, out of the P100 million total value of the demolition proceeds, the Aeta community received sacks of rice only,” Pelayo said.

“It is time that Luciano is made accountable for demolitions without documents, for grave abuse of discretion and dishonesty. The complainants, the CIAC board and the farmers are asking: Where is the money? Where is the beef?” Pelayo ended.

The complainants were represented by Atty. Edna Batacan and assisted by Atty. Gerome Tubig.



Appeal to P-Noy

“Mr. President, free CIAC from corruption.”

This was the appeal made by Pelayo to President Benigno ”P-Noy” Aquino III, who is known for his battle cry against corruption, “ Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.”

“Sa ating mahal na Pangulong Aquino, sampolan ninyo po ang mga corrupt sa CIAC.”



Comment

Central Luzon Daily tried but failed to reach Luciano for comment.