• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan and the various department heads of La Castellana municipal government yesterday expressed their intentions to pursue charges against former town casual employee, Elvin dela Fuente, for unfounded accusations hurled against them in social media, which the local chief executive also dismissed as “politically-motivated,” with the 2025 midterm elections fast approaching.
In a press briefing, Mangilimutan said she would welcome any case filed against her in the proper forum, where she can answer it.
While the mayor brushed aside as below the belt the attacks against her, which she had also experienced during the election period, Mangilimutan, however, said her children were affected and suffered most.
“Everything is politically-motivated for me”, Mangilimutan said, adding that she is aware of the people behind it.
On July 12, dela Fuente, who resigned from the La Castellana municipal government in 2019, reportedly filed a case against Mangilimutan, allegedly for violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Mangilimutan said she is open for a lifestyle check anytime.
“I am happy if they will bring it to a proper venue, so that I can present all the documents (to disprove their claims,” stressed the mayor, who is now on her last term as the town chief executive.
Mangilimutan said she also believes that Barangay Robles Capt. Chad Feria and expelled La Castellana Councilor Donato “Nat Nat” Dumaguit are behind dela Fuente in the attacks against her, Councilor Patrick Estoya, and the department heads.
“We have to cut their horns,” Mangilimutan further said.
She strongly denied any wrongdoing, and claimed that the accusations are recycled during the elections, which started during the stint of her father, Alberto, as mayor of La Castellana.*
