• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Ombudsman Visayas “outrightly dismissed” a request to investigate La Castellana Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan, for failure of the complainant to submit evidence which could serve as basis in conducting a probe.
“A mere request is not sufficient to support an investigation,” the Ombudsman said in a notice it issued, dated September 11, this year.
Wherefore, premises considered, subject complaint is respectfully recommended for outright dismissal, without prejudice to the filing of a formal complaint sufficient in substance and form, it added.
A certain Elvin dela Fuente, a former employee of the municipality of La Castellana, requested the Ombudsman to investigate Mangilimutan for alleged graft and corruption.
Mangilimutan earlier expressed readiness to undergo a lifestyle check, as she strongly denied the graft and corruption charges levied against her by dela Fuente.
The mayor also announced her intent to file charges against de la Fuente and others.
Mangilimutan, who is running for the La Castellana vice mayor post in the 2025 midterm elections, maintained that the accusations and charges against her are politically motivated and recycled issues that resurface during the election period.
Her brother, Councilor Anejo Nicor, is running for mayor of La Castellana.*