ANGELES CITY — The complaint filed against Vice Mayor Ma. Vicenta “Vicky” Vega-Cabigting and 12 City Councilors over alleged ghost employees has been branded by supporters and officials as nothing more than political harassment.
Despite the serious accusations, the Commission on Audit (COA) here has already certified that no disallowances, suspensions, or charges have been recorded against the respondents as of March 31, 2025 — debunking the complaint’s main allegation.
The 12 City Councilors named in the case are Crystal Dj Aguas, Crisanto G. Cortez, Joseph Alfie T. Bonifacio, Marino D. Banola, Danilo D. Lacson, Jesus S. Sangil, Edgardo D. Pamintuan Jr., Raco Paolo S. Del Rosario, Arvin M. Suller, Alexander P. Indiongco, Jeremias M. Alejandrino, and Arnoah Prince D. Mandani.
The case, lodged before the Office of the Ombudsman by a certain Pyra Lucas of the United Pilipino Against Crime and Corruption (UPACC), claimed the non-appearance of 171 Job Order (JO) workers was proof of misconduct. However, the COA later acknowledged that most of the JOs were in the field doing community-based work.
“This is clearly a desperate attempt to tarnish the integrity of public servants who have been faithfully carrying out their duties,” Vega-Cabigting said. “We will not allow baseless accusations to derail our commitment to serve.”
Russelle Ponce of the LALAV organization also expressed support, saying, “Gawa-gawa lang ‘yan ng mga kalaban nila na walang magawa kundi manira.” (“This is just made up by their opponents who have nothing better to do but destroy others.”)
The respondents have since asked for the outright dismissal of the complaint, citing lack of evidence, proper authorization, and clear legal basis. They have also opposed the motion for preventive suspension, calling it unjust and unfounded.
“This is political noise — nothing more, nothing less,” Vega-Cabigting stressed.
