Mandaue City Government Pursues Criminal Case for Alleged P3.3 Million Malversation
The Mandaue City Government has officially filed a criminal case for malversation before the Office of the Ombudsman, targeting a dismissed employee accused of misusing more than P3.3 million in public funds. The funds were allegedly taken from the City Treasurer's Office in 2025, sparking a thorough internal investigation by local authorities.
Details of the Complaint and Investigation
City Administrator Gonzalo "Sally" Malig-on confirmed that the complaint was formally submitted on November 7, 2025, following the city's probe into the disappearance of the money. According to Malig-on, the investigation revealed that a total of P3,342,000 was involved in the alleged misuse, prompting the filing of the criminal case with the Ombudsman.
Malig-on explained that while the case was filed promptly, the City initially delayed public disclosure due to external circumstances. "We did not immediately release information about it because Typhoon Tino happened around that period, and shortly after that came the Christmas season, which caused delays in public disclosure," he stated. Despite this delay, he emphasized the City's unwavering commitment to pursuing justice.
City's Commitment to Accountability and Transparency
Malig-on stressed that Mandaue City has been consistent in its stance from the beginning, vowing not to let the issue go unresolved. "The City was truthful and consistent in saying that it would file a criminal charge," he said, noting that the Ombudsman has already acknowledged receipt of the complaint. This action underscores the local government's dedication to accountability and the protection of public funds.
The filing of this case comes after an earlier related case was dismissed in October 2025, which motivated the City to proceed with the criminal complaint. City officials have reiterated that this move reflects their firm stance against corruption and misuse of resources.
Next Steps and Ongoing Cooperation
As the case progresses, Malig-on assured that Mandaue City will continue to cooperate fully with the Office of the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman has yet to issue a statement on the merits of the complaint, and further proceedings are expected as part of the preliminary investigation process. This development highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure integrity in local governance and financial management.
