Reluya, 7 others told to explain sale of scraps

The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has directed three San Fernando, Cebu officials and five others to answer the allegedly irregular sale of government-owned scraps and old equipment last year.

The anti-graft office gave Mayor Lakambini Reluya, Municipal Engineer Simeon Lauronal, Panadtaran Barangay Captain Ricardo Reluya, and five private respondents 10 days to submit their counter-affidavit.

The complaint for alleged violation of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act was filed by Ruben Feliciano, proponent of the port project in Barangay Sangat.

The Ombudsman also reminded the respondents not to file a motion to dismiss or any other pleading to delay the case, which will be struck from the records.

Other respondents were Randolf Garcia and his wife Ana Liza; and municipal motor pool staff members Eutiquio Sebial, Maria Jelyn Paradero and Christine Sasil.

Feliciano said the Reluya couple and Engr. Lauronal disposed of several scraps, unserviceable equipment and furniture to the Garcia couple, who owned Bretzel Enterprises, without public bidding from July to August 2017.

Replying to the charges, Mayor Reluya downplayed Feliciano’s complaint as nothing but harassment after she issued an executive order stopping his firm, First Sangat SF International Port Corp., from developing a 23-hectare area in Barangay Sangat as a private port.

Feliciano asked the ombudsman to place the public officials under preventive suspension while the investigation is ongoing. /