By Felipe V. Celino
Outgoing Vice Mayor Christopher Andaya of the Municipality of Sigma denied accusations that he violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act by awarding catering contracts to a business allegedly owned by his live-in partner and the mother of his daughter during his time as mayor.
“This is politically motivated and a form of harassment because they filed it during the election period,” Andaya said.
In a complaint filed before the Ombudsman last April 7 and 8, Andaya is accused of entering into transactions with a catering company allegedly owned by his live-in partner Mary Jane L. Aguilar.
The complainants claimed that Aguilar’s catering company provided food services to the local government unit (LGU) of Sigma from 2015 to 2022, the years when Andaya served as mayor.
The complainants submitted vouchers and documents they say support their allegations.
They cited violations of Sections 3(d), 3(g) and 3(h) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Section 3(d) prohibits public officials from allowing family members to work in private enterprises with pending business before the government.
Section 3(g) bars government officials from entering contracts grossly disadvantageous to the government, whether or not personal gain is involved.
Section 3(h) prohibits officials from having a direct or indirect financial interest in contracts in which they intervene in their official capacity.
The complainants said there was no intent to harass, delay proceedings or inflate litigation costs, and that the allegations are supported by evidence.
Complainants include Juan Besa of Barangay Parian, Stephen Orillanes of Barangay Mangoso, Ledelyn Dalida of Barangay Oyong, Dan Justin Eslabon of Barangay Parian, Ernesto Gicalde of Poblacion Norte, Crispin Alayon of Poblacion Norte, Cyndy Grace Francisco of Poblacion Sur, Esperedion Pelaez of Poblacion Sur, Thomas Lagulay of Barangay Amaga, Christopher Alayon of Poblacion Norte, and Norman Marcelino of Poblacion Sur.
Andaya lost his bid to regain the mayoralty seat from incumbent Mayor Dante Rizal Eslabon.
The two were former allies in the 2022 elections, but later split after Eslabon reportedly discovered Andaya was building a rival political group.
