Couple Lota and Gaudioso Manalo, the mayor and vice mayor, respectively, of Lobo, Batangas, have only ten days to file their counter-affidavit over their graft complaint filed by a construction firm.
The Ombudsman released an order dated 19 June, giving the couple only ten days from receipt of the copy of the complaint to file their respective answers. Failure to present their counter-affidavit within the said period will be deemed a waiver of their right to submit controverting evidence.
It will also pave the way for the Ombudsman case to proceed the case.
The complaint filed by Efren Ramirez Construction Corporation alleged that the couple violated Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Anti-Red Tape Act by refraining from acting on his application for the renewal of the existing business permit and other permits, which are necessary for its operation.
They were accused of conspiring with Leandro Canuel, the Municipal Treasurer.
The construction firm alleged Malobos of seeking grease money in exchange for the renewal applications. These allegations occurred right after their victory in the May 2022 polls, the firm claimed.
After the firm turned down the demand, the couple reportedly began sending letters to coerce them into paying the unconscionable fees despite their legal objections.
According to the firm, Mayor Manalo granted the dredging operations to another firm without public bidding. She was accused of fabricating resolutions supposedly passed by the municipal council and barangay captains, denied afterward by the councilors and barangay officials.
The complainant argued that it has the appropriate permits from the relevant national government agencies, specifically the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, to undertake the dredging operations on the municipality’s river.
Moreover, the firm claimed it also complied with other requirements, leaving Mayor Manalo no grounds but to grant the permit.
The company manifested that Ombudsman should suspend the couple to ensure the impartial conduct of the investigation.