Mabilog to be indicted for graft

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of graft charges against Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog over a towing services agreement the city government entered into with a firm he allegedly owned.

In a resolution signed by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales and released yesterday, Mabilog and Councilor Plaridel Nava II were ordered charged for violation of Section 3 (h) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Investigation showed that a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed with 3L Towing Services for the clamping of vehicles to be towed in accordance with a city ordinance.

Under the MOA, the towing company will get 70 percent of the fines to be collected while the city government will get 30 percent.

The ombudsman said Nava alleged that Mabilog owned 3L, and its supposed owner Leny Garcia was only a dummy. Mabilog in turn accused Nava of having pecuniary interest in 3L.

The ombudsman said it is clear from the accusations and counter-accusations of Mabilog and Nava that they both have financial or pecuniary interest in the MOA.

“Both colluded to create 3L, to get Garcia to act as its dummy owner, to have the business registered with the DTI and BIR, to secure its business and mayor’s permits and to have it awarded the MOA with the city government without going through a competitive process,” the resolution read.

“There was a meeting of the minds between (Mabilog and Nava) to do an illegal act...They  must both suffer its consequences,” the ombudsman ruling stated. 

Mabilog, who is on sick leave until the end of the month, is under fire from President Duterte who has accused him of protecting drug lords.