Mandaue City Government Takes Legal Action Over Missing P3.3 Million Treasury Funds
The Mandaue City government has initiated legal proceedings following the discovery that more than P3.3 million has disappeared from the city's treasury. Officials have formally filed a criminal case for malversation of public funds against a local government employee in an effort to recover the missing money.
Formal Complaint Filed with Ombudsman
City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo "Sally" Malig-on confirmed on Thursday, January 29, 2026, that the city government has submitted a complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman. The case specifically targets Maria Leah Quimbo, who serves as an administrative aide at the City Treasurer's Office.
This legal action comes after an internal investigation revealed that exactly P3,342,000 was unaccounted for in the city's budget. While a previous related case was dismissed in October 2025, the city government decided to proceed with this new criminal charge on November 7, 2025.
Timing of Public Announcement Explained
Many residents questioned why information about the filing wasn't disclosed to the public sooner. Malig-on provided clarification, explaining that the city government was preoccupied with significant events toward the end of the previous year.
"We did not immediately release information about it because Typhoon Tino happened around that period, and shortly after that came the Christmas season," Malig-on stated. He emphasized that these circumstances created a natural delay in sharing updates with the community.
Commitment to Accountability and Fund Protection
Despite the delayed announcement, city officials maintain their serious commitment to holding individuals accountable for mishandling public funds. Malig-on asserted that the city government has remained consistent in its promise to pursue legal recourse through the proper judicial channels.
The Office of the Ombudsman has officially received the complaint and will now commence a preliminary investigation into the matter. The Mandaue City government has pledged its full cooperation with investigators throughout the process to ensure that public money receives proper protection and that justice is served.
