A GROUP calling itself the Bantay San Pascual (BSP) has filed administrative and criminal complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman last December 6 against San Pascual, Batangas Vice Mayor Angelina Castillo.
The complainant accused the local government official of selective distribution of government financial assistance to political supporters under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
In addition, the BSP alleged that Castillo also misused government resources by supposedly spending public funds and using LGU vehicles and facilities for political activities.
It noted that the respondent has declared her plan to run for municipal mayor in next year’s elections.
Specifically, the complaint sought the vice mayor’s indictment for violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) and the Omnibus Election Code (Batasang Pambansa No. 881).
Likewise, they cited alleged actions on the part of Castillo contrary to provisions of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713) under Section 4 (a) against prioritizing political interest over public service and Section 7 (d) on misuse of government resources for political gain.
The group said evidence of Castillo’s wrongdoings are proven by her posts on her official Facebook account of which screengrabs were saved and attached to the complaint.
However, the same FB posts showed Castillo had made public announcements on when and where the cash assistance would be distributed.
The local official likewise tagged several other municipal and provincial political personalities to witness the distribution, including incumbent mayor Antonio Dimayuga and Rep. Gerville Luistro.
Pending resolution of the criminal and administrative complaints, the BSP asked the Office of the Ombudsman to place Castillo under preventive suspension.
The BSP was represented by one Conrdo “Ado” Madlangbayan who identified himself as the lead convenor of the group.
However, the complaint stated that it was “filed under an alias, to avoid retaliation.”
