• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has “outrightly dismissed” a request to investigate La Castellana Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan for failure of the complainant to submit evidence as the basis in conducting a probe.
“A mere request is not sufficient to support an investigation,” according to the Ombudsman in a notice dated Sept. 11.
It added: “Wherefore, premises considered, subject complaint is respectfully recommended for outright dismissal, without prejudice to the filing of a formal complaint sufficient in substance and form”.
Elvin dela Fuente, a former employee of the La Castellana municipal government, has requested the Ombudsman to investigate Mangilimutan on alleged graft and corruption.
Mangilimutan earlier expressed readiness to undergo a lifestyle check as she strongly debunked the graft and corruption charges levied against her by De la Fuente.
The mayor said she intends to file charges against De la Fuente and the others accusers.
Mangilimutan, who is running for vice mayor in the May 2025 midterm elections, maintained that the accusations and charges against her are politically-motivated and recycled issues that resurface during election period.
Her brother, Councilor Añejo Nicor, is running for mayor of La Castellana. | GB
