• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
La Castellana Mayor Alme Rhumyla Nicor-Mangilimutan said Wednesday that Councilor Donato Dumaguit, who is facing charges for large-scale estafa, should not divert the issues by dragging her into the controversy he is facing.
“The issue is him, not me,” the mayor said.
Dumaguit had earlier claimed that Nicor-Mangilimutan has acquired properties that she did not declare in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) and has been using her policemen-bodyguard as a dummy.
The mayor brushed aside the allegations and said she is ready to present her bank accounts, SALN and properties.
Mangilimutan, however, said that Dumaguit should not divert the issues hurled against him by numerous complainants.
Dumaguit and a certain Mary June delos Santos are both facing multiple counts of large-scale estafa filed against them initially by 11 of the more than 40 police aspirants, whom they promised entry to the Philippine National Police in exchange for cash.
Mangilimutan said she is ready to answer all the accusations of Dumaguit against her, in a proper forum, should he decide to file charges against her.
As to the councilor’s claim of death threats, she said, “How will I do it, since he is living in our property?”
If he is claiming innocence, Dumaguit should be here, she added.
Dumaguit has failed to attend five consecutive sessions of the Municipal Council, after he was linked to the police recruitment scam, which victimized about 47 police aspirants.
Mangilimutan said the Municipal Council has convened as a committee of the whole to tackle the issues against Dumaguit.
Dumaguit has been given 15 days to explain his absences. | GB
