Mayor files charges vs vice, 5 councilors

By Eva Visperas

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The mayor of  Bayambang in this province has filed an administrative complaint against his vice mayor and five councilors for grave misconduct.

Mayor Ricardo Camacho, in a complaint filed with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on May 13, wanted Vice Mayor Mylvin Junio and Councilors Raul Sabangan, Allan de Vera, Gerardo Flores, Joseph Vincent Ramos and Levin Uy suspended for allegedly maligning him in a press conference on April 14.

The respondents reportedly told journalists that Camacho violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees when he purchased a vehicle allegedly using municipal funds.

The respondents said the procurement was made without the conduct of a public bidding and permission from the municipal council.           

Camacho said the respondents committed perjury when they allowed the publication of the complaint against him.

He denied there was no bidding conducted for the purchase of the vehicle.

Board member Alfonso Bince Jr., chairman of the committee on good governance and accountability of public officials, gave the respondents 15 days to answer Camacho’s complaint.

Levin said they stand by their complaint and are ready to answer Camacho’s allegations.