The Dumaguete City Sangguniang Panlungsod conducted a preliminary conference on the administrative complaint filed by a barangay captain against one of his barangay kagawads during a special session Tuesday.

Vice Mayor Woodrow Maquiling said their main concern is an amicable settlement before the case goes into a full blown trial.

Administrative and criminal complaints were filed by Taclobo barangay captain Gregorio Suasin Jr. against kagawad Danilo Valino before the Ombudsman for alleged violation of Section 3 of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

In his complaint, Suasin accused Valino of being responsible for the loss of at least 84 items that included 42 steel bars, 35 square bars and 24 bags of Possolan cement.

Suasin said he started an inventory of properties owned by the barangay, so he can be cleared by the barangay office, being on his last term, when he discovered the missing items, and was told by the barangay driver Edwin Luistro, and four environmentalists, that these items were delivered to Valino's house.

Suasin further alleged that the electric bills of Valino's watch house for his fighting cocks were also charged and paid with barangay funds, causing undue injury to the government.

All the accusations were vehemently denied by Valino, who stressed that he has never received or signed any document that he is in receipt of the items as alleged by Suasin. He also said all the allegations are unsubstantiated and fabricated. He said that being the property custodian of the barangay, Suasin instructed the driver, Edwin Luistro, sometime on June 21, 2013 to have the items delivered to his house, including 10 bags of cement and 20 steel bars, to be used in the repair of the comfort room of some barangay Taclobo residents affected by typhoon Sendong.

Valino said he delivered the materials and other items to the affected residents.

Valino also denied using the barangay electrical lighting and electrical connection for his exclusive use, with bills amounting to P66,431.57, which could be the total monthly billing of barangay Taclobo on a flat rate basis for several months.

Samuel Dicen, the complainant's counsel, said they will be filing additional evidences, while Myles Bejar, legal counsel for Valino, said his client is standing by his position and they are also submitting additional evidences.

On suggestion of Councilor Tony Remollo, the SP decided to extend the cooling off period to September 25.

Meanwhile, the criminal aspect of the case is pending preliminary investigation at the City Prosecutors Office.*JG

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