Soc files plaint, urges Ombud to probe JVR
Former Talisay City Mayor now Councilor Socrates Fernandez shows a copy of the complaint he filed against Mayor Johnny V. delos Reyes at the Ombudsman Visayas. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
TALISAY City Councilor Socrates Fernandez has requested the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas to conduct an investigation against Mayor Johnny delos Reyes for dishonesty and misconduct.
In his complaint, Fernandez, who was the former mayor, said Delos Reyes listed in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) only three relatives in government service: his Son John Yre, the current city administrator; his daughter, Irish; and brother Joel.
Irish and Joel both serve as executive assistants.
But according to a report from Talisay City’s human resource department, the mayor has 15 family members who are currently occupying various government positions.
In the same SALN, which covers 2014, Fernandez said Delos Reyes declared that he has a “goodwill money” in the amount of P2.8 million without disclosing how he got it.
“Indeed, respondent JVR was being dishonest. He must be held liable for his unlawful acts in connection with his public office,” said Fernandez who was accompanied by lawyer Oscar Capacio in filing the complaint before the anti-graft office yesterday morning.
Fernandez said he filed the complaint against Delos Reyes as a “taxpayer,” and incumbent councilor of Talisay City.
He requested Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Paul Elmer Clemente to conduct a probe against Delos Reyes and to hold the latter liable for withholding significant items in the SALN.
SALN is part of government policy to uphold transparency and accountability of public officials.
The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees require all public officials and employees to submit their SALNs every year.
They need to declare under oath their assets and liabilities, net worth and financial and business interests including those of their spouses and of unmarried children under 18 years of age living in their households.
All public officials are also required to identify in their SALN relatives working in government up to the fourth degree of consanguinity.
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