Frasco, 7 Cebu mayors charged for Europe trip

Local

A CEBUANO lawyer has filed administrative and criminal complaints against Cebu 5th District Rep. Duke Frasco and seven Cebu mayors over their trips to Europe during Typhoon Tino.

Frasco, however, insisted that his travel was an authorized official mission and not a vacation.

Lawyer Julito Añora Jr. filed the complaints at the Office of the Ombudsman for the Visayas on Tuesday, Nov. 11, alleging that Frasco and the mayors violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019), the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713), the Local Government Code (RA 7160), and the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA 10121).

Añora stressed that public officials are duty-bound to lead and protect their constituents in times of crisis.

In response, Frasco said the allegations are based on “erroneous assumptions and misrepresentations of fact and law.”

He clarified that his London trip was part of the Philippine delegation to the World Travel Market (WTM), one of the largest global travel and tourism expos, which provides a platform to promote international partnerships, investments, and opportunities for the country’s tourism sector.

Frasco said his travel was officially approved by the Speaker of the House of Representatives through the Secretary-General and adhered to established procedures for congressional missions abroad.

He emphasized that no government funds were used for the trip, which aligns with his practice for most official foreign travels.

He recounted that he arrived in London on November 4 but immediately arranged to return after learning of severe flooding in parts of Cebu.

He secured the earliest flight on Nov. 5, arrived in Cebu on Nov. 6, and went directly to Barangay Cotcot, Liloan, to assist in relief and coordination efforts alongside national and local officials.

Frasco also addressed questions regarding the other local officials named in the complaint.

He said their travel authorities were granted by the Cebu provincial government, which also has the power to cancel such trips.

On allegations of failing to fulfill statutory obligations under the Local Government Code and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, Frasco said, “these are legally misplaced.”

He added that as a legislator, his duties focus on representation, lawmaking, and oversight, but in times of crisis, he extends personal support and relief, mobilizing resources from his team to assist affected constituents.

Frasco reiterated that he will continue coordinating with national government agencies to provide assistance to local government units for relief, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts in Cebu and other affected areas.

The mayors named in the complaint include Aljew Fernando Frasco of Liloan, Avis Ginoo-Monleon of Catmon, Alfredo Arquillano Jr. of San Francisco, Greman Solante of Tudela, Edgar Rama of Poro, Manuel Santiago of Pilar, and Felijur Quiño of Compostela.(MyTVCebu)