New Panay mayor seeks special audit on predecessor

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – New Panay, Capiz Mayor Jonathan “Sonny” Besa has asked the Commission on Audit (COA) to conduct a special audit of the past administration of former Mayor Vicente Bermejo after discovering a lack of preparation and missing documents during the transition period.

According to Besa, he did not receive complete turnover documents on June 26, 2025, including a transmittal letter.

He said several key documents were missing, prompting him to request an audit of financial transactions from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2025, to clarify that any irregularities did not originate under his leadership.

“Sa bag-o ko pa lang nga pagpungko, ang ginasukot sa akon nga utang sa gasolina ga lab-ot PHP1.6 million,” Besa said in a recent interview with the media.

“Mapatawag kita sang press conference para malatag ta man sa publiko kag mapakita naton ang gina hambal naton nga alleged anomalous transactions.”

Besa said he gives the administration of Bermejo a failing grade based on the documents they were able to review.

“Kung basihan ang mga dokumento, failing grade gid,” he added.

“Apang indi ako bitter. I choose to be better rather than bitter. Focus ako sa pag-move forward para mapatuman ang handum ta para sa Panay.”

He also asked the public not to expect many infrastructure projects this year, as the 2025 budget had already been spent by the previous administration.

However, he clarified that social services and financial assistance will continue while the local government prepares the 2026 Annual Investment Plan to ensure the proposed programs and projects are funded.

“Rest assured, ihatag ko sa inyo ang malimpyo kag klaro nga pag-gobyerno,” Besa said in his message to constituents.

Daily Guardian has reached out to former Mayor Bermejo for comment but has not received a response as of press time.