Iloilo City mayor faces probe by Ombudsman

ILOILO CITY—Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog is being investigated by the Ombudsman for allegedly failing to divest himself of his interests in a business firm operating in the city.

Paul Elmer Clemente, deputy Ombudsman for Visayas, on March 14 approved a field investigation report recommending an investigation on Mabilog for possible criminal and administrative liabilities.

Mabilog, who is out of the country, is expected to submit his counteraffidavit soon in compliance with an order from the antigraft body, according to the mayor’s spokesperson, lawyer Mark Piad.

Piad declined to comment on the merits of the investigation.

In the 13-page report, Joe Ann Galleto, associate graft investigation officer, said that based on results of an investigation, Mabilog owns 58 percent of shares of Panpacific Food Services Inc. and is president of the company.

Galleto said as city mayor from July 1, 2010, until now, part of Mabilog’s official duties is to issue permits and licenses.

Records from the Permits and License Division of the city government showed that business permits were issued four times to Panpacific from 2010 until today. It noted that the division is under the Office of the City Mayor.

“In this case, the subject (Mabilog) failed to divest his interests,” said Galleto in the report.