City hall ‘loan sharks’ probe result out this week

ILOILO City – The team tasked by Mayor Jerry P. Treñas to investigate lending activities with alleged illegal conditions at city hall is set to submit its findings before this week is over.

Atty. Joseph Areño of the City Legal Office (CLO) said their fact-finding investigation is about to conclude.

However, he clarified that their task is mainly recommendatory in nature.

“Anybody asked by Mayor (Jerry Treñas) to do the investigation, those are purely recommendatory. We have legal and factual basis but it is still the mayor who will have to decide on it,” said Areño.

Treñas directed the CLO to verify if there is indeed a department head or an executive assistant with a money lending business taking advantage of employees, especially job hires.

Areño said they investigated four city hall employees.

He underscored while lending money is a form of help, it is a different thing if it is adversely affecting one’s time and job at the city hall, including the use of position to take advantage of someone.

“Ever since ang pagpangutang is basically part of the culture. But if you are using your position and taking advantage sang kapigaduhon sang tawo that is another thing,” Areño said.

“If warranted, ma-file ang office (CLO) sang formal charge,” he added.

Areño further said they have invited several city hall employees for investigation.

“There are sworn statements…(but) we cannot divulge that. Actually those are factual and basis later for a possible administrative case,” the city legal officer said./PN

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