Talisay council to probe PCUP exec

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City Council is looking into the issues regarding the request to replace Presidential Commission of Urban Poor Area Coordinator Llura Layon.

A resolution authored by Councilor Doroteo Emit, chairman of the council Committee on Urban Poor, was approved during the council’s regular session yesterday.

The council agreed that Emit's committee will conduct the investigation starting Monday.

It was also stated in the resolution that the investigation will include issues pertaining to funds of the Federation of Talisay City Urban Dwellers Association (FETCUDA).

Earlier, in an interview, Emit said the reason they want Layon replaced is that they found out that Layon used funds coming of the federation without proper authorization.

Emit said that since Layon was holding a sensitive position, she is prohibited to use any fund owned by the federation.

Layon earlier confirmed that she did borrow P20,000 from the federation during the time her son was diagnosed with dengue in 2007, but said she never had any intention to use the money illegally.

“Akong anak na-dengue, in fact, namatay gyud. Siyempre nanawag ko sa akong mga amigo. Nanghuwam ko sa usa sa board of director sa iya personally. Iyang gi-hand nako ang money. When I knew nga FETCUDA to right after gilubong akong anak. Gibayaran nako kay kahibaw ko sa federation to. Gi-settle gyud dayon nako,” Layon said.

She said she does not have any problem with being transferred from her post, adding that she did her part and performed her functions well.

Mayor Eduardo Gullas said he was in favor of the council’s decision to conduct a formal investigation.

“I don’t want to quarrel with the council.  I also believe nga bisa'g dugay na siya (in her post) it would be advantageous for the city nga naa'y fresh (new person) to handle the position,” he said. (FREEMAN)