COA probes raps vs Nueva Ecija mayor

ALIAGA, Nueva Ecija -- The Commission on Audit is now looking into details of an administrative case filed against the town mayor here Ecija before the Office of the Ombudsman last month.

Commissioner Heidi Mendoza has assured residents of Aliaga that state auditors are already probing their complaint on the alleged abuses and irregularities committed by Mayor Marcial Vargas.

Seven incumbent councilors of the town accused Vargas of grave misconduct and usurpation of legislative functions for allegedly violating a Department of Budget and Management directive.

The case stemmed from Vargas’ alleged refusal to increase the salaries of municipal officials and employees as a first-class locality.