City Councilor Jun Alcover addresses corruption allegations inside the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) on Tuesday, June 18. | CDN Photo/ Pia Piquero
CEBU CITY, Philippines – City Councilor Jun Alcover called for an investigation into the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRRMO) after receiving allegations of corruption.
The councilor’s office has received multiple complaints about CCDRRMO corruption including nine affidavits from current and former employees.
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On Tuesday, June 18, Alcover announced that these employees have come forward as whistleblowers, accusing department officials of misusing government-allocated fuel for personal use.
In a notarized joint affidavit dated June 7, six employees accused two senior officials of stealing diesel intended for government use. They claimed that these actions were carried out under orders from Harold Alcontin, the officer-in-charge.
The employees stated they had remained silent out of fear of losing their jobs.
Moreover, a former fire engine crew member, earning P13,000 monthly, alleged that a senior official demanded a portion of his salary.
He stated that this senior official claimed those deductions were for purchasing equipment and penalties for supposed absences, despite his completed Daily Time Record (DTR).
He reported being forced to pay P1,500 monthly during this period.
Similarly, another former crew member with a monthly salary of P12,000, stated in his sworn affidavit that the same senior official demanded two months of his salary to buy a motor siren for the fire engine, allegedly under orders from Alcontin.
These CCDRRMO corruption allegations prompted Alcover to take action.
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Meanwhile, a current fire engine crew member reported witnessing the live-in partner of Alcontin and a CCDRRMO personnel stealing fuel from the office stockroom for use in Alcontin’s personal vehicle.
In a separate interview, Alcontin, head of CCDRRMO and one of the accused, stated that an investigation would be conducted.
He professed ignorance of the issue and emphasized the need for a thorough probe to identify those responsible for the fuel theft.
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Alcontin questioned why the employees reported to Councilor Alcover instead of approaching him directly. He expressed his willingness to meet with the staff to address their concerns.
“Ako sad sila imeet karong hapon og asa gyud ni dapita ngano na directso sa office ni Konsehal Alcover, ngano wala madiretso sa akong opisina nga pwede raman gyud maduol og maestoryahan,” he said.
Alcontin denied owning a personal vehicle and questioned the allegation that he used government fuel for private purposes.
“Apil akoang sakyanan? Wala man koy personal nga akyanan, wala man koy registered na sakyanan ako… Wala man koy sakyanan akoa,” Alcontin stated.
Alcontin maintained that he is open to the investigation but refused to comment further on the CCDRRMO corruption allegations.