Sigma officials unfazed by Ombudsman anti-red tape case

By Felipe V. Celino

SIGMA, Capiz — Mayor Dante Rizal Eslabon and other local officials said they are unfazed by complaints filed before the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas, describing the move as driven by personal interest.

Atty. Remia Fuentes Bartolome, legal counsel for the Sigma local government unit, said the complaints filed by Porferio Javier Jr. against Eslabon, 10 Sangguniang Bayan members, and department heads have not affected the officials’ work.

Bartolome said Javier claimed he is a native of Sigma and that his brother ran in the last election under another political party but lost.

She said the officials continue performing their duties and are ready to cooperate with the Ombudsman to clear their names.

Bartolome, a former provincial board member for Capiz’s 1st District, said some residents have been misled by what she described as incorrect issues and information aired by a Roxas City radio station.

She said no decision has been issued yet by the Ombudsman on the case.