Quezon Rep. Suarez sued for P56-M funds misuse, cries 'black propaganda'

Residents of Quezon province have sued Quezon Representative David Suarez before the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged malversation of public funds and failure to liquidate P56 million worth of cash advances from 2013 to 2018.

The complainants, which include Leonito Batugon, Antonio Almoneda,Marife Benusa and Mauro Forneste accused Suarez and three other Quezon provincial government officials of failing to account for such a huge amount of cash advance during Suarez’s tenure as Quezon governor.

In a 35-page complaint, the accusers cited multiple findings from the Commission on Audit.

“The unreasonable length of time wherein respondent Suarez has failed to explain lead to the unsettling conclusion that he has misappropriated or converted public funds,” the 35-page complaint read.

“The failure to submit the documentary requirements before the grant lends itself to the conclusion that there may be no actual necessity for the release of subject cash advances,” the complaint added.

In a statement, Suarez dismissed the allegations as "black propaganda."

"It saddens me but not surprised that my political opponents have resorted to black propaganda and baseless complaints, when our attention should be solely focused on cushioning the devastating effects of the pandemic, and helping the Filipino people to get back on their feet," Suarez said.

"We will address these allegations in the proper forum, and I am confident that the truth of our innocence will prevail," he added.

As a result of their complaint, Suarez’s accusers also called for a 90-day preventive suspension on the former Quezon governor.

“At the least, as governor of a province, it behooves respondent Suarez to be prudent and diligent in handling public funds because his post and stature demands as higher degree of diligence and accountability because public office is a public trust,” the complaint pointed out.

Suarez served as Quezon province governor from June 2010 to June 2019. -NB, GMA News