Dalaguete mayor questions NBI-7’s handling of graft charges filed against him

Local

0DALAGUETE, Cebu Mayor Ronald Allan Cesante has denounced the National Bureau of Investigation-Central Visayas (NBI-7) for filing corruption charges against him and 11 others over a P9.65-million road project in Barangay Poblacion, questioning the agency’s handling of the investigation.

In a press conference at the municipal hall on Thursday, April 3, Cesante asserted that the local government unit (LGU) of Dalaguete has yet to receive a copy of the complaint, arguing that due process was not followed.

He also emphasized the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

He noted that the NBI-7 invited them on February 18, to clarify the complaint, and they presented their evidence.

However, he claimed that the agency refused to accept their submissions and did not provide a copy of the complaint despite their request.

He questioned how they were expected to respond without knowledge of the allegations.

Cesante also pointed out that this was the seventh case filed against the LGU this year and observed that the timing, exactly 45 days before the elections, was suspicious.

He said that only Dalaguete had experienced such treatment from another government agency and expressed concern about the publicization of the case before they had a chance to formally respond.

The mayor criticized the complaint, stating that it falsely suggested the LGU had taken over the role of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“The complainant is trying to paint a picture where the LGU is performing the job of DPWH. That is a lie,” he said.

The complaint, submitted on March 28, 2025, accuses Cesante and his co-respondents of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, malversation of public funds under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, and grave misconduct under Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

NBI-7’s investigation revealed that the road project along ML Quezon Street was officially awarded to Socor Construction Corporation through the DPWH.

However, investigators alleged that the Dalaguete LGU carried out the project using its own manpower and equipment, while Socor Construction still received full payment.

Cesante refuted this claim, stating that the LGU’s road concreting project was properly documented and separate from the DPWH’s initiative.

He explained that the LGU’s project was done in segmented phases due to funding concerns.

He maintained that all appropriate documents and evidence, including proper receipts, were available for public scrutiny.

The mayor also accused the complainant of attempting to discredit him and his co-respondents by making the allegations public before they had a chance to respond properly.

He vowed that the municipality would take legal action against what he described as irregular and unethical investigative methods.(MyTVCebu)