Accountant files graft complaints against Roxas City officials over P402M unauthorized time deposits

On Tuesday, March 11, accountant Carmen Andrade filed graft complaints with the Office of the Ombudsman-Iloilo against Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas, City Treasurer Mimi Riano, and City Accountant Teresita Bidiones over unauthorized time deposits totaling P402 million.

Andrade accused the officials of violating anti-graft laws and committing technical malversation based on a 2023 Commission on Audit (COA) report.

The COA found that none of the 30 time deposits, split between DBP and LBP banks, had city council approval as required by law.

Andrade also highlighted that trust funds and special education funds were improperly used for these unauthorized transactions.

She urged the Ombudsman to issue a six-month preventive suspension order against the officials to safeguard evidence related to her complaints.

The Roxas City government refuted allegations, stating that Mayor Dadivas had authorization from the city council to deposit funds with DBP and LBP.

Melvin Galagate of the Roxas City Communications Group confirmed that the administration has complied with COA's findings and recommendations.