MANILA. The People’s Coalition Against Crime and Corruption (PCACC) has voiced its frustration over the absence of Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas Mayor Janet Ilagan, and Vice Mayor Jay Manalo Ilagan at a congressional inquiry held on December 18, 2024. The inquiry was convened to address allegations of public fund misuse and irregularities raised against the two officials.
“They were invited precisely to explain the allegations of misuse of public funds and other irregularities in the town,” said PCACC representative Antonio A. Alabata. “They should have attended the hearing. If they have nothing to conceal, I do not see any reason why they should evade the hearing.”
The inquiry, organized by the Committee on Public Accounts chaired by Congressman Joseph Stephen Paduano and other House committees, sought to uphold transparency and accountability. Representatives Robert Raymond Estrella, Danilo Fernandez, Romeo Momo, Jose Arturo Garcia, and Roy Loyola co-authored House Resolution 2102, which aims to assess potential amendments to procurement and auditing laws to prevent future abuses.
The committee also tasked the Commission on Audit (COA) with conducting a special fraud audit as part of the investigation.
Allegations Raised
Alabata, who was present at the hearing, reiterated his accusations against Mayor and Vice Mayor Ilagan. In his affidavit complaint, he cited a cash deficit of over PHP 5 million incurred by the municipality in 2021, which he claimed hindered the full settlement of the town’s current liabilities amounting to PHP 47,141,799.11.
Additionally, Alabata alleged irregularities in disbursements totaling PHP 7,771,859.43 for the municipality’s COVID-19 response, stating that the expenditures contained deficiencies and inconsistencies.
These accusations are linked to an earlier graft case filed by PCACC against the Ilagans for alleged violations of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Officials’ Response
Despite being absent from the hearing, Mayor Ilagan addressed the allegations on the town’s official Facebook page on December 18, denying the claims against her administration.
The congressional committee emphasized the importance of the officials’ presence in future hearings and is expected to issue another invitation.
The hearing underscores the need for robust mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in local government operations, with lawmakers considering potential legislative reforms to strengthen oversight and prevent similar issues in the future.
Roy Tomandao
Si Roy Tumandao ay kasalukuyang pangulo ng Camp Vicente Lim Press Corps. Nagsimula siya sa larangan ng media noong 1992 at aktibo bilang photo journalist at news correspondent para sa iba’t ibang tabloid. Broadcaster siya ng DZJV 1458 Radyo Calabarzon.
