The Sagay City Legal Office is preparing an affidavit of complaint against City Treasurer Juvy Pinongan to be endorsed to the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr. said on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Pinongan is under investigation for failure release the P7.3 million Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) intended for Sagay’s healthcare workers.
The Sagay City government is taking decisive action to investigate the missing funds, the mayor said.
Javelosa said they are working closely with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Commission on Audit (COA), and BLGF to expedite the investigation.
“Since the Treasurer’s Office operates under the jurisdiction of the BLGF, the case will be referred to them for appropriate action. The BLGF will oversee the proceedings, ensuring a fair and transparent resolution,” he said.
The Sagay CLO is carrying out an exhaustive investigation requiring time to ensure facts and data are verified, he added.
As part of this process, the vault at the treasurer’s office has been sealed and secured, Javelosa said.
“We are now awaiting the COA representatives to witness the opening of the vault as part of their audit procedure,” he said.
They have also received a report from the Sagay Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Finance, which highlights their commitment to closely monitor the ongoing investigation, the mayor added.
“In the light of committee findings, a Sangguniang Panlungsod resolution will be issued urging our office to hasten the process, and we are fully committed to resolving this issue swiftly,” he said.
Javelosa assured the people of Sagay City that they are taking every step necessary to urgently address this matter albeit with caution.
“We also ask the public to remain vigilant and refrain from spreading misinformation, as this could hinder the investigation and cause unnecessary confusion,” he added.*