Balilihan Mayor Pureza Veloso-Chatto
Balilihan Mayor Pureza Veloso-Chatto has once again cleared her name from a baseless accusation related to the water project in her town. The Ombudsman dismissed the complaint filed by Eladio Baliong, a civilian guard who works for a private water company that opposes the project. Baliong alleged that Chatto violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees by awarding the contract for the water project to a favored bidder without proper bidding procedures. He also claimed that Chatto abused her authority by ordering the demolition of the structures and facilities of the private water company in Bugwak Spring, where the water project is located. However, Chatto said that she was not even aware of the complaint because Baliong did not furnish her a copy of it. She also said that the water project is a legitimate and beneficial undertaking that aims to provide adequate and potable water supply to the residents of Balilihan, especially those in the remote barangays. The Ombudsman, in its resolution dated October 27, 2023, found no probable cause to indict Chatto for any of the charges. It said that the complaint was “a mere rehash” of the previous complaints filed by other individuals who are also affiliated with Richli Corporation, a private water company. The Ombudsman noted that these complaints were already dismissed for lack of merit and evidence. Chatto followed the proper bidding procedures and complied with the legal requirements in awarding the contract for the water project, the Ombudsman said in its resolution. The anti-graft added that Chatto did not abuse her authority in ordering the demolition of the structures and facilities of the private water company because they were illegally constructed on public land without any permit or consent from the government. Chatto acted in good faith and in the best interest of the public in pursuing the water project, which is supported by the national government through Congressman Edgar Chatto, according to the Ombudsman. The water project is a “laudable initiative” that will improve the quality of life and the economic development of the people of Balilihan, noted the Ombudsman.