The Office of the Ombudsman recommended the outright dismissal of the complaint of the Bohol Clean Water Alliance, Inc. represented by Erastus Leopando against Balilihan Mayor Pureza Veloso-Chatto.
The said complaint was for the extraction and development of water resources in Balilihan without conducting the required public bidding.
The Ombudsman cited the Evaluator’s Report which said that there is no basis to proceed with further action as the complainant failed to support his allegations or attached pertinent documents that their office may consider in evaluating the complaint.
The recommendation for outright dismissal of the complaint was due to lack of factual allegations that may warrant further action by the Ombudsman.
Mayor Chatto in a statement released after the complaint was made public, said that the complaint was baseless and politically motivated.
“Both Leopando and Ramasola are known associates and allies of a private water company which has left no stone unturned in forcing their business interests no matter the consequences to the town of Balilihan,” the statement read.
Mayor Chatto had also expressed disappointment that the complaint was made public even before she received a notice from the Ombudsman.
In the same statement, she assured the people of Balilihan that she is fighting for water rights for the town.
“I have always been transparent about my efforts to secure a reliable water supply for our people, and I will continue to do so,” she stated.
Mayor Chatto said the Ombudsman decision is a testament that truth and justice prevails.