Malabon mayor faces graft raps

A complaint for graft was filed recently against Malabon City Mayor Antolin Oreta III and his wife before the Office of the Ombudsman.

In his complaint, Gary Sison Garcia, a resident of Malabon, said Oreta and his wife, Melissa Grace, violated the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Garcia accused Oreta of nepotism for giving his wife top positions at the City of Malabon University, which is run by the local government. Melissa was reportedly appointed as a consultant, contractual professor and dean in 2020. She was promoted as vice president for academic affairs and designated university president last year.

Garcia also filed administrative and civil cases against Oreta.

Sought for comment, Oreta said he has not received a copy of the complaint.

Oreta is on his third and final term as mayor of Malabon. His younger brother, Councilor Jose Lorenzo Oreta, is seeking to replace him.