• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Sagay City Legal Office is preparing an affidavit-complaint against City Treasurer Juvy Pinongan for endorsement to the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) in connection with the missing P7.3-million Health Emergency Allowance (HEA).
In a statement on Wednesday, Oct. 2, Sagay City Mayor Narciso Javelosa said they are working closely with the Civil Service Commission, Commission on Audit (COA), and BLGF to expedite the investigation.
Since the City Treasurer’s Office operates under the jurisdiction of the BLGF, Javelosa said the case will be referred to them for appropriate action.
He added that the BLGF will oversee the proceedings, ensuring a fair and transparent resolution, while the City Legal office is carrying out an exhaustive investigation requiring time to ensure facts and data are verified.
Javelosa earlier said that when he summoned and confronted Pinongan at his office, she told him that she had been busy, and that she forgot the number combination of the vault, where the money was allegedly being kept.
The mayor said that the vault has been sealed and secured while waiting for the COA representatives to witness the opening of the vault as part of their audit procedure.
Javelosa assured the Sagaynons that the city government is taking every step necessary to urgently address the matter, albeit with caution.
He also enjoined the public to remain vigilant and refrain from spreading misinformation, as it may hinder their investigation, which may cause unnecessary confusion. | GB
