Plunder, graft complaints filed vs. top Surigao del Sur local execs

A lawyer and an advocacy group on Thursday filed plunder, graft, and other related complaints against Surigao del Sur's top local officials for allegedly securing government contracts while holding public office.

Named respondents in the complaints were First District Representative Romeo Momo Sr., Second District Rep. Alexander Pimentel, Governor Johnny Pimentel, Carrascal Mayor Vicente Pimentel III, and several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Commission on Audit personnel.

The three sets of complaints were filed by Mary Helen Zafra and Task Force Kasanag Inc. represented by John Chiong on Thursday.

The first set of complaints was in connection with the P300 million worth of government contracts won by Surigao La Suerte Corporation, allegedly owned by Momo and his family, while the second set of complaints involves around P497 million worth of government contracts won by LC Ting Construction and GNA Pimentel Construction, allegedly owned by Gov. Pimentel.

The third set of complaints concerns the P500 million worth of government contracts bagged by VGP Construction and Supply, allegedly owned by Vicente Pimentel.

“This is a conflict of interest, a violation of the Constitution and RA 6713. As an incumbent public official, you should not have direct or indirect financial interest in the government,” Zafra said.

RA 6713 is the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials.

Zafra said that they were able to trace the ownership of the firms to Momo and the Pimentels based on the records from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Trade and Industry.

“This is the proper forum and venue for all those respondents to explain. Because we have contracts, notarized contracts from the DPWH and the DILG [as evidence],” Zafra said.

“We need to give justice to our people who have nothing to feed their families because of the injustice brought about by the corrupt public officials,” she added.

In response, Momo denied allegations of plunder, graft and other related complaints, saying such complaints are politically motivated.

“The allegations being thrown against me are false -plain and simple. Yet again, the same individuals are filing complaints and making loud claims about their so-called containers of evidence,” Momo said in a statement.

“This is an obvious attempt to tarnish my name after failing to defeat me politically. It is disappointing that instead of moving forward and helping address the real needs of our people, they continue to waste time and effort on baseless accusations driven by bitterness and political vendetta,” Momo added.

Likewise, Momo assured the public that such allegations won’t deter his resolve to serve his constituents.

“I will not allow these attacks to distract me from my duty. I will continue to serve with integrity, focus, and determination,” Momo said.

GMA News Online has also reached out to the Pimentels for comment and will publish their response as soon as it is available. —LDF, GMA News