A barangay chairwoman in Iloilo City was found guilty of three counts of misconduct and dishonesty in relation to a violation of the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Based on a decision of the Iloilo City Council, Ronela Juaneza, punong barangay of Barangay San Isidro in Jaro District was found guilty of misconduct and dishonesty.

However, Juaneza denied vehemently any culpability. 

“Ang masasabi ko lang, hindi ako magnanakaw. Ilang buwan pa lang akong kapitan (punong barangay) sa ngayon, magnanakaw na ako? Wala akong nanakawin dyan,” Juaneza said in an interview with GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas.

Based on the Committee Report of Iloilo City Councilor, Atty. Rex Marcus Sarabia, it turned out during the committee hearings that Juaneza failed to follow the proper procurement process.

It was learned that Juaneza issued a Punong Barangay Certificate (PBC) ahead of the conduct of a public bidding in the purchase of well-milled rice worth over P365,000 on December 13, 2023.

It was further discovered that office supplies and equipment bought at over P46,000 and P47,000, respectively, were purchased through shopping which is only allowed during emergencies, Atty. Sarabia, chairperson of the Committee on Personnel, Good Government, Public Accountability, and Oversight, pointed out. 

“Ang limit is 50 thousand pesos purchase kung shopping ka. Kasi ang normal na process is through public competitive bidding. Si respondent [Juaneza], nagtuloy lang sa shopping, hindi siya dumaan sa competitive bidding,” Sarabia added.

Further, Sarabia said that there was no appropriation made in the 2023 Annual Budget for office supplies.

Following the decision, the City Council recommended the suspension of Juaneza for six months as a penalty.

On December 12, 2024, Juaneza received the suspension order signed by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.

During the interview, Juaneza reiterated that she has done no wrong.

“Wala akong kasalanan. Kung hindi sila pumirma, susuplayan lang namin ang supporting documents. Kung sabagay, mas nauna pa nga nilang kinuha lahat,” Juaneza said.