Joe III downplays Ombudsman probe

ILOILO City Mayor Jose Espinosa III insists that he never violated any law when he appointed a new set of directors of Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD)

This is Espinosa’s reaction after the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas ordered him to file his reply-affidavit to the criminal and administrative charges filed by MIWD management in July 2018.

The Ombudsman had found sufficient grounds to investigate Espinosa for charges filed by MIWD in July 19, 2018 after he appointed a new set of MIWD directors.

According to MIWD legal counsel Roy Villa, two counts of usurpation of official functions and one count of violation of section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) for the criminal aspect were filed against the mayor.

“The administrative charges range from grave abuse of authority, gross negligence, gross misconduct, and acts contrary to law,” said Villa.

Espinosa said he is not bothered by the case.

“We are not violating any law. As a matter of fact, I’m doing this not for me but for our people. Preliminary pa man lang ni. We will answer,” he stressed.

Espinosa said the City Legal Office would write and file his counter-affidavit.

The mayor downplayed the Ombudsman case and even took a swipe at his brother-in-law and rival in the 2013 mayoral race, lone district Rep. Jerry Treñas.

“Iban gani waay kulbaan nga gin-suspend sa Sandiganbayan,” added Espinosa.

Espinosa was referring to the preventive suspension of Treñas early this year relative to a criminal case the latter is facing before the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan for the construction of the Iloilo Press Club building.

The case against Espinosa stemmed from his appointment of the following persons to the MIWD board – Felicito H. Tiu for the business sector; Rebecca L. Maravilla (women’s sector); Ray L.

Celis (civic sector); Antonio C. Sangrador (professional); and Ronald Raymund L. Sebastian (education).

Espinosa previously claimed that he is now the appointing authority, citing a Supreme Court ruling promulgated on Dec 6, 2016, and became final and executory on Aug 8, 2017. The SC ruling declared as unconstitutional Section 3(b) of Presidential Decree 198, which empowers a governor to appoint the water district board.

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

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