Tanauan Mayor Nelson Collantes
TANAUAN CITY, BATANGAS — Calls are growing for the immediate suspension of Tanauan City Mayor Nelson P. Collantes pending an investigation into a graft and plunder complaint filed against him last September 2024.
The complaint, filed by city resident Marlon Parma Parpiga, alleges nine counts of serious financial irregularities and abuse of power. Parpiga’s complaint details numerous alleged offenses, including the hiring of approximately 850 undocumented job order (JO) employees in 2023, potentially constituting “ghost employees.”
The complaint also alleges the procurement of over Php1.5 billion in goods and services without following proper procedures, the mismanagement of cash advances, and the splitting of contracts to avoid mandatory bidding.
Further allegations include overpriced infrastructure projects exceeding P5 million, the misuse of LDRRMF funds for service vehicles, self-promotion using government resources during a calamity (Typhoon Kristine, July 16, 2024), and corrupt practices related to the awarding of government scholarships.
The complaint also cites a general lack of proper documentation for payables.
Parpiga criticizes the Ombudsman’s apparent inaction on the complaint, highlighting the violation of Republic Act 6713 (mandating a 15-day response to complaints) and Republic Act 9485 (the Anti-Red Tape Act).
He argues that Mayor Collantes’ alleged actions constitute a betrayal of public trust and demands his immediate suspension to prevent further potential wrongdoing while the investigation proceeds.
The complaint cites violations of Republic Acts 3019 and 7080, along with established COA regulations, as justification for the call for suspension.
