PORAC, Pampanga – “Every decision made under my leadership has been transparent and in full compliance with the law. There were no shortcuts—only honest and responsible governance aimed at delivering urgent social services before the election ban.”
Thus, acting Mayor Myla Clarete dismissed as politically motivated claims made by suspended Mayor Jaime “Jing” Capil of alleged impropriety over the recently approved supplemental budget of the Porac municipality.
A member of the sangguniang bayan, Clarete assumed the mayorship in the wake of the suspension of Capil, his vice mayor and the whole municipal council, except for her, over the illegal Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGO) issue in the municipality.
In a press conference on Monday alongside her brother-in-law and aspiring mayor, Mike Tapang and incumbent officials, Clarete clarified that the supplemental budget, approved for implementation this March, was neither excessive nor unnecessary but based on the budget drafted by Capil’s own administration for the year.
“Suspended Mayor Capil was aware of this from the beginning, as his brother Liga ng Barangay president Joel Capil, an ex-officio member of the sangguniang bayan, was regularly informed through the order of business and parliamentary procedures. However, not once did he attend the deliberations. Had he been present, he could have expressed his objections or reservations, but he failed to fulfill his duties and responsibilities. So why complain now? Clearly, this is all political,” she pointed out.
Clarete also questioned Capil’s sudden concern over financial transparency, given his own six-month suspension. “Where was his call for accountability when his administration was being questioned? Now that we are ensuring public funds are properly spent, he cries foul.”
Clarete presented what she called “key concerns” from Capil’s tenure that, she said, remain unanswered, to wit:
- Use of public funds for personal travel – Government funds should serve the people, not finance family vacations abroad.
- Nepotism in hiring – Beyond legality, there’s the issue of delicadeza. Public office is a public trust, yet Capil appointed his daughter, Jen, as Executive Assistant IV, disregarding ethical standards. Citing Local Budget Circulars (e.g., LBC No. 53) specify salary and position classifications for LGUs to ensure compliance with the Compensation and Position Classification System; that even if a municipal ordinance creates an Executive Assistant IV position, it cannot be implemented if it violates the Department of Budget and Management’s classification system for municipal governments; that under Executive Order No. 292 (Administrative Code of 1987) and RA 6758 (Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989), the DBM is the sole agency responsible for position classification, salary grades, and compensation structures across all government entities, including LGUs; that even if the Civil Service Commission approves a candidate’s qualifications for a position, the DBM determines whether the LGU can fund it based on its classification and financial capability.
- Excessive salary for his daughter, now his running mate – While ordinary government employees adhere to strict salary guidelines, Capil’s daughter received undue financial benefits. Where is delicadeza in that?
- Unexplained surge in business profits – From P3-4 million in gross sales between 2019 and 2024, Capil’s business skyrocketed to P90 million this year alone. Coincidence or conflict of interest?
- Underpayment of scholars – Promised educational assistance never fully reached scholars. Where did the missing funds go? Clarete emphasized that while rules and laws provide clear boundaries, ethical leadership demands more than just technical compliance—it requires integrity, fairness, and respect for public trust.
“Even if some actions are legally justified, leaders should still ask themselves: Is this fair? Is this right? Is this what true public service looks like?” she said. “The people of Porac deserve leadership that not only follows the law but also upholds the highest ethical standards.”
Clarete reiterated that all budget allocations were deliberated thoroughly by the sangguniang bayan, certified as urgent, and approved in accordance with municipal and national laws.
“Every peso spent under my administration is accounted for and open to public scrutiny. That is the real meaning of transparency,” she stressed.
“If the suspended mayor is genuinely concerned about transparency,” Clarete urged him to support financial oversight measures—not just for her administration, but for his own.
“This isn’t about politics. It’s about ensuring that Porac’s resources truly serve the people. Instead of derailing legitimate governance efforts, I challenge him to do the same,” she said.
Calls by Punto! to suspended Mayor Jaime “Jing” Capil for his side remained unreturned as of posting time. Punto News Team/Photo: JP Manalang
