MAGALANG, Pampanga — Allegations of corruption continue to persist in this municipality after the mayor and other municipal officials refused to furnish documents on the number of employees whether casual or contractual, their respective areas of designation, and the schedule of their salaries and compensation for Fiscal Years 2011 and 2012.
Mayor Romulo F. Pecson, Municipal Accountant Ma. Teresa Vasquez-Lakandula and Human Resources Management Officer Rizalino G. Ocampo are now the respondents in a complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman by Councilor Elizabeth Gonzales for gross neglect of duty and conduct unbecoming of public officials in violation of RA 6713.
Gonzales said that from the time she started her term as councilor, she has been “hearing reports” that the municipality has been releasing public funds for the alleged payment of the salaries/wages, bonuses and other benefits of alleged employees, who, “in actuality, are not rendering services to the municipality.”
She said despite repeated requests, she was never given any pertinent documents which she believed is a violation of the law.
However, Pecson denied the existence of ghost employees. “Ala naman ghost employees (There are no ghost employees),” the mayor said.
He explained that some of the casual workers do not report regularly to the municipal hall because their job is in the field. It’s as simple as that, he said. When asked if he has any other comment he answered “ita mu (that’s all).”
Gonzales said if Pecson is not hiding anything, he should welcome an investigation into the number of casual and contractual employees in the municipality to clear his name of charges of corruption.
She said the government should be transparent in all its transactions since public office is a public trust.
Gonzales said the refusal of Pecson and his officials to release documents that would allay her allegations is a clear indication that he is into something that is highly irregular.
