Councilman sued for malversation of funds

CEBU – A former barangay captain and now a councilman of barangay Bakhawan in Daanbantayan town is now facing a complaint for malversation, falsification and refusal to turn over barangay funds, records and property before the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas.

Incumbent Bakhawan barangay captain Bernardito Luche Jr. filed the complaint against his councilman Manuel Linabog before the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas.

Linabog served as barangay captain of Bakhawan for more than 10 years until 2007 when he ran and got elected as a councilman of the barangay. 

Luche, in his complaint, said that during his incumbency, Linabog had in his custody and control barangay funds, property and public records. He further claimed that Linabog had a government vehicle registered under his name and received government subsidies for projects and activities. 

He added that Linabog connived with his treasurer and secretary to collect water bills from barangay consumers, fees from fishermen and contributions during the annual fiesta of the barangay.

When Luche assumed office as barangay captain in 2007, he asked Linabog to turn over the barangay funds, properties and officials record but to no avail.

Luche further said that he has in his possession the documents to support his complaints against Linabog. He also asked the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas to suspend Linabog pending investigation since he has control of the previous barangay treasurer and secretary and other personnel who have been and still are in custody of the records of the barangay as well as the operations of the barangay water service.

He asked also asked Ombudsman to file criminal and administrative cased against Linabog and all those involved in the alleged anomaly. — Jose P. Sollano/BRP (THE FREEMAN)