CONCEPCION, Tarlac – A complaint for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Mayor Noel Villanueva and three others was filed before the Office of the Ombudsman on March 21.
The case stems from alleged irregularities in the construction of the new municipal hall and Bale Lugud, particularly the construction of the gate, fence, and landscaping already completed, and air conditioning units and furniture had been procured, “despite the bidding process not yet being finalized.”
Five individuals from Concepcion filed the complaint: former Barangay Captain Alejandro P. Valencia, Edmond B. Alfonso, Eduardo P. Salas, Nicolas A. Galang, and Mario M. Ysais.
According to their complaint affidavit, Mayor Villanueva, in his capacity as the head of the procuring entity, is accused of graft and corruption, along with bids and awards committee (BAC) chairman Michael E. Bondoc, and BAC technical working group members Reggie E. Bondoc and Engr. Bryan Julius S. Lacsamana.
On page 13 of the Ombudsman complaint, the complainants allege that Villanueva bypassed the procurement process outlined in RA 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act), as amended by RA 12009 (New Government Procurement Act) and its implementing rules and regulations.
The complaint also states that deliveries of tables, chairs, and air conditioning units were made without the approval of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for Municipal Ordinance 003-2025 (An Ordinance Appropriating the Amount of ₱81,840,650.50 as Supplemental Budget).
It is also alleged that the BAC attempted to schedule bidding for labor and materials for the landscaping, gate, and fencing despite these already being completed. Additional allegations in the complaint include:
1. Premature delivery of air conditioning units and furniture to the Concepcion Municipal Government Center before Feb. 25, 2025—before the scheduled bidding process and the official publication of the Invitation to Bid on PHILGEPS. Early landscaping at the Concepcion Municipal Government Center, completed on March 13, 2025, before the bidding process was concluded;
2. Early construction of the gate and fence at Bale Lugud, located in Barangay San Nicolas, Poblacion, Concepcion, Tarlac, completed on March 19, 2025, before the bidding process was finalized. Delivery of air conditioning units, furniture, and landscaping work at both the Concepcion Municipal Government Center and Bale Lugud without a Notice of Award, Purchase Order, or Notice to Proceed from the provincial government.
The complaint also alleges that the BAC refused to disclose the names of winning bidders when requested by the Office of the Vice Mayor.
Vice Mayor Joan Carla Bautista reportedly attempted to investigate the matter but was unable to proceed due to a lack of quorum in the Sangguniang Bayan. In a sworn statement, SB members Nics Santos and Chino Bucu expressed support for the complaint.
“Why was the proper process not followed?” asked Vice Mayor Bautista. “If it was followed, then the documents should have been shown to us.”
SB member Chino Bucu added, “Failure to follow the proper process could result in the misuse of public funds. Not following the process could lead to corruption, which is why we are monitoring this closely.”
Santos, Bucu, and Bautista are known allies of former Mayor Andy David Lacson, who is running against Villanueva in the upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, Villanueva said he would wait for the official documents from the Ombudsman before responding to the allegations. Press release
