TARLAC CITY – Thirteen key officials of the city government here have been suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged administrative offenses including grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Placed under preventive suspension without pay were city treasurer Agnes S. Torres, city accountant Roland S. Domingo, city health officer Ma. Carmela Lacsamana-Go, and officers and members of the bids and awards committee Tristan Gozum, Romeo J. De Leon, Jose M. Dungca, Lorina V. Ledesma, Numer P. Lobo, Reymar C. Razon, Emilou S.F. Sicangco, and Cesarina S. Machuca, inspection officer Orlando A. Gatpolintan, and property/supply officer Renato D. Policarpio Jr.
The order signed on July 7, 2025 by Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires stems from an administrative complaint docketed as OMB-C-A-JUL-25-0126 filed by incumbent Tarlac City councilors Pee Jay Echalar Basangan and Emily Rosal Ladera-Facunla, alongside former councilors Genaro M. Mendoza and Vladimir San Pedro Rodriguez.
The complaint arose from alleged massive irregularities uncovered by the Commission on Audit in the procurement of drugs and medicines by the City Government of Tarlac during calendar years 2017 and 2018, under the administration of then Mayor Cristy Angeles who is now Tarlac 2nd District representative.
Among the findings of the COA special audit team were:
- ₱7.09 million in overpricing across three procurement transactions in 2017 alone;
- ₱843,900 worth of medicines purchased outside the Philippine National Drug Formulary, in violation of Department of Health and EO 49 regulations;
- over ₱2.8 million worth of drugs and medicines with incomplete or vague specifications which is a violation of RA 9184 (Procurement Law);
- ₱50.83 million worth of ghost deliveries and payments for medicines without proof of delivery or inspection, purely based on certifications by the officials concerned;
- contracts awarded to suppliers lacking FDA licenses and business permits, notably in the 2018 “Angel’s Cut” (Operation Tuli) program;
- violations of procurement transparency and eligibility rules, including the awarding of contracts without required disclosures or proper credentials; and
- failure to maintain inventory and stock records, leading to unaccounted drugs and medical supplies amounting to ₱24.6 million.
These transactions have been labeled by COA as “irregular” and fraudulent, violating multiple laws, including RA 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act), RA 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), and RA 7080 (Anti-Plunder Law).
The Office of the Ombudsman found sufficient grounds to grant the complainants’ prayer for preventive suspension of the involved officials “considering that there is strong evidence showing their guilt” and the charges against them “may warrant their removal from office.”
The Ombudsman further stressed that allowing the respondents to remain in their posts would compromise the integrity of the investigation, given their control over vital documents and evidence. Their continued presence in office also poses the risk of further malfeasance and obstruction, prompting the Ombudsman to act swiftly to protect the public interest and uphold accountability in government.
The preventive suspension is immediately executory and shall continue for a maximum of six months, unless delayed by the fault or petition of the respondents.
The new city administration under Mayor Susan Yap said it will fully cooperate with the Ombudsman’s investigation, even as it reaffirmed its commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability. Punto News Team
