Carillo urges ex-worker to legalize accusations

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor Gerardo Carillo is encouraging his former employee who accused him of using public funds for personal interests to file an affidavit.

“I would welcome him to execute an affidavit to prove his allegation. I am willing and the public wants to know the truth, other people want to know the truth kun nangawkaw ba ko’s kuwarta sa siyudad,” said Carillo.

Michael Abellana formerly worked as an administrative aide at Carillo’s office and resigned when the councilor transferred to Team Rama, Mayor Michael Rama’s political group.

The 55-year-old former employee of Carillo said he worked at the City Hall at the same time as a cook at a restaurant owned by Carillo’s girlfriend.

Carillo clarified this and said Abellana rendered his job as a cook only before or after his work at the City Hall. He added that Abellana was paid separately.

“Ganahan siya extra nga work. I don’t mind as long as office hours you render your service at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Before or after that, I don’t mind if you work somewhere else. Para nato, makadungag man ‘na. Ako siya gi-recommend and then bayran lang separate,” Carillo explained.

The councilor said that through the affidavit, the allegations made against him would be processed legally.

“If namakak siya, then he would be held liable. Ug kon ako sab namakak ko, I would be held liable. Dili kay he will just subject me to the bar of public opinion,” Carillo said, adding “To put that allegation is easy but it’s harder to prove once allegation.”

Carillo suspects that politics is behind the matter, saying Abellana now works for Cebu City South District Representative Rodrigo Abellanosa, who is his possible rival for the House seat in next year’s election.

“Ako, maluoy ko niya (Abellana) kay gigamit ra man sad siya. I will wait until he formally issues a statement,” Carillo said. — (FREEMAN)