Duterte’s office starts probe into complaint vs Osmeña

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the President has started its investigation into the complaint lodged by Apas Barangay Captain Ramil Ayuman against Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña for allegedly using cars donated to the city government.

In a letter dated July 25, the Office of the President asked the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas to provide it with the status of the case former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama filed against Osmeña on the same issue.

“To assist this Office in the resolution of the complaint, may we respectfully request for an update on the status of OMB-A-C-15-0361/OMB-V-A-15-0382,” reads the letter signed by Ryan Alvin Acosta, acting deputy secretary of legal affairs.

It was in 2012 when Rama sued Osmeña before the Ombudsman for allegedly violating the Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act when Osmeña, during his last term as mayor, allegedly used privately the Dodge Charger cars businessman Michael Gleissner donated to the city.

The city’s Department of General Services, however, does not have any record that the vehicles were donated to the city government.

In a separate interview, Osmeña told The FREEMAN that Ombudsman has made it clear the allegation has no basis.

“The explanation speaks for itself. Start with the fact that there was no real donation,” he said.

Ayuman earlier claimed to have personal knowledge of how Osmeña allegedly used his office to gain possession and ownership of the luxury vehicles worth P2 million unlawfully.

“Such shameless and greedy act constitutes grave misconduct and serious dishonesty,” reads his complaint dated February 14.

He also cited other possible charges against Osmeña such as indirect bribery and alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 46, which makes it illegal for any public officer to receive gifts, as well as Section 7 of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees, which prohibits solicitation or acceptance by public officials. (FREEMAN)