Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro has expressed support for Mayor Rajiv Enad, who is facing a graft case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman concerning a goat farm in Barangay Guindarohan.
Governor's Statement of Support
In a comment on a social media post, Governor Baricuatro described Enad as “one of the best performing mayors in Cebu Province.” The endorsement comes as Enad, Vice Mayor Lani Peña, and several councilors face legal action over their refusal to endorse a rehabilitation plan submitted by Jomara, the company that built the goat farm in the mountainous area of Guindarohan.
Details of the Graft Case
The Ombudsman announced that the officials would be charged with graft for not approving the rehabilitation plan. Mayor Enad explained that their decision was made to protect the safety of Guindarohan residents, whose homes had developed cracks alongside fissures in the ground near the goat farm. The ground cracks are suspected to be caused by illegal quarrying operations within the goat farm premises.
Broader Controversy
Jomara, the owner of the goat farm, is also the company behind a landfill in Minglanilla that has faced opposition from residents and local officials. The landfill has been a point of contention, with community members raising concerns about its environmental impact.
