TACLOBAN CITY- An open letter addressed to President Aquino was issued and signed by representatives of various sectors, including the local Church leaders, of Capoocan town in Leyte calling for his possible assistance on their desire for the anti-graft court to act on a criminal case filed against Mayor Federico Carolino, Sr. On their two-page open letter, the signatories said that the delay on the resolution of the graft case against Carolino would be a contradiction of Mr. Aquino’s policy of “matuwid na daan” or straight path which abhors any acts that pertains to corruption or graft among government leaders or workers.
Carolino is facing graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for an alleged irregularity in the procurement of two units of dump trucks worth P5.3 million in 2008. The town mayor allegedly did not follow the procurement process when he ordered for the procurement of the heavy equipment. The graft case against Carolino was filed on September 26, 2011 by one Emeterio Tanala before the Office of the Ombudsman. “Several years have passed the people of Capoocan just keep silent on their ardent desire to live in a place with virtues of righteousness…governed by a leader who believes and practices the doctrine of matuwid na daan,” the open letter, signed by 39 people representing various sectors said.
“We have come to the open, assured and convinced that we should do our best for the best future of the Capoocanons,” it adds. Among those who signed the open letter addressed to the President were local Church leaders like parish priest Father Ronnie Mora; barangay officials; members of the academe and leaders of fisherfolk association. The group said that under Rule III, section 6 of Administrative Order Number 7, otherwise known as Rules of Procedure of the Ombudsman, a decision must be rendered not later than 30 days after the case is declared submitted for resolution. Carolino could not reach for his comment as of press time.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
