Two department heads of the Naga City government resigned from their posts after a document was leaked on social media alleged corruption within the LGU.

Those who stepped down were Atty. Paul John Barrosa, who served as chairman and member of the Bids and Awards Committee since 2019, and Alex Caning, the City Engineer.

In his resignation letter submitted to Mayor Nelson Legacion, Barrosa cited malicious online posts and accusations linking him to unlikely activities as the reason for his decision.

“We saw post[s]… mga malicious postings [from] troll accounts, linking me to unlikely activities that I will do. You know me, bistado nindo ako, and ang work ethic ko — ako, trabaho sana; and kung magiging rason su pagkapot ko kang posisyon para maraot ang pangaran ko o kang pamilya ko, mas maray pang butasan [ang posisyon],” Barrosa said.

The document leaked accuses Barrosa and Caning of allegedly finding ways to prevent interested bidders from obtaining bid documents, leading to suspicions of manipulation.

The local government urged the Commission on Audit (COA) or the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate the allegation.
The local government, as well as Barrosa and Caning, said they are prepared to face and cooperate in any probe.

Meanwhile, the issues have not affected the operations of the Bids and Awards Committee, currently headed by Frank Mendoza.

Mendoza said they will implement new policies aimed at ensuring transparency and preventing doubts in the bidding process.

“May mga policy kami na i-implement. Number one, dae mi na ire-require itong purchase order para makabakal ning bid documents. Second policy, dae na kami ma-require asin dae na kami maako ning letter of intent,” he said.