BACOLOD City – EB Magalona, Negros Occidental mayor Marvin Malacon and his 18 co-accused have been cleared of P6.9-million graft charges by the Ombudsman.
The decision, issued just days before Malacon’s 51st birthday on August 6, effectively ends a grueling six-year legal ordeal that the mayor described as the “best birthday gift ever.”
The allegations, which surfaced amid the contentious political climate of EB Magalona, centered on the supposed illegal use of public funds amounting to P6.9 million, allocated to 23 villages in the municipality at P300,000 each in April 2018.
These funds, which were intended for barangay road rehabilitation, flood control, and reforestation projects, became a point of contention during the May 14 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
Ombudsman Samuel Martires ruled on April 18, 2024, that the charges be dismissed due to lack of probable cause and substantial evidence, refuting allegations of mismanagement of government resources. Malacon, reflecting on the acquittal, stressed the transparency and integrity of his administration, stating, “Every single centavo from our town’s coffer is well-accounted for.”
The cleared individuals include Vice Mayor Eric Matulac, five councilors, and several department heads and village chiefs.
Former Vice Mayor Robert “Rob” Acaling, who had initially filed the complaint, accused the officials of grave misconduct under Republic Act (RA) 3019 and RA 6713, which govern the illegal use of public funds and properties and outline standards of government ethics.
Mayor Malacon, who is nearing the end of his third term, emphasized the legacy of his administration, which includes elevating EB Magalona from a second to a first-class municipality in terms of income. As he prepares to leave office in June next year, Malacon hopes this resolution will restore faith among the Saraviahanons in their local government./PN