2 Iloilo execs face transpo allowance misuse charges

Former Lambunao Mayor Reynor Gonzales and Vice Mayor Cesar Gonzales of Iloilo will be charged before the Sandiganbayan over the alleged misuse of their transportation allowances in 2014.

The Office of the Ombudsman, which will file the charges, said the two received the allowances despite the fact that they already have been assigned government vehicles for official use.

Based on the Commission on Audits (COA) Notice of Disallowance (ND), Reynor received R90,000 in allowances while Cesar received R83,880 from January 2014 to December 2014.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) had issued a circular in May 15, 2013 stressing that “those who were assigned or who use government motor transportation shall no longer be entitled to the TA, but only to the commutable [representation allowance] for the month.”

“Records show that respondents did not deny the receipt of the ND,” the Ombudsman resolution read. “Despite such receipt, respondent Reynor only partially settled the disallowance in the total amount of R40,400 as evidenced by the June 21, 2016 Notice of Settlement of Suspension/Disallowance/Charge and the receipts submitted by respondent Reynor.”

The Ombudsman said there is no evidence that Reynor settled the balance. Cesar meanwhile, had not shown any evidence that he had settled the ND.

The two “participated in the questioned disbursement in their respective capacities as municipal officers. Without the imprimatur of Reynor, respondent Cesar would not have been able to claim his TA,” the resolution read.