LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A civil society organization recently filed a graft and corruption against a Benguet official for allegedly violating Republic Act numbers 3019 and 6713.
“Yesterday (Sept. 17), We from the Task Force Kasanag (TFK) filed a complaint against Benguet Provincial Vice Governor Ericson Felipe for violations of the provisions of Republic Act Numbers 3019 and 6713 which pertains to Anti-Graft and Ethical Standards of Government Officials,” the group said.
In a statement released by the group on September 17, TFK claimed that Felipe had committed violations of the provisions on conflict of interest and the improper influencing of government officials. The complaint alleged that Felipe, who owns a 60 percent stake in Tagel Corporation worth P300 million, used his position to secure a substantial number of government contracts.
For his part, Felipe welcomed the filing of the charges against him, saying that it is a good timing considering the upcoming May 2025 mid-term elections where the people must be fully aware of the candidates aspiring for the various elected positions.
“We will answer all the allegations in the proper forum. We consider the filing of the case as a good timing for us to be able to explain to our constituents the real score. We hope that aspiring candidates should also publicly declare their business interests for purposes of full disclosure and transparency,” Vice Governor Felipe stressed.
He pointed out that it is a public knowledge that he is a contractor and had been engaged in the construction business for more than a decade that is why the filing of the case will give him the opportunity to discuss about the matter in public in the name of transparency and accountability.
The Benguet official disclosed that the projects mentioned in the complaint are all located in Apayao and none of them are found in Benguet.
Vice Governor Felipe challenged aspirants for the various national and elected positions to declare all their business interests after the filing of their respective certificates of candidacy so that the people will be fully aware of the activities of the potential aspirants for public office.
According to TFK, Tagel Corporation was awarded 30 government contracts between 2022 and 2023, amounting to a total of P1.35 billion.
The group emphasized that there is a potential conflict of interest, as it raises questions about transparency and accountability in the allocation of public contracts.
TKF the complaint highlights the importance of public interest, emphasizing accountability for public officials.
The group added that their decision to file the complaint is part of their ongoing commitment to safeguard the public from corruption and government abuse and believe that this action is necessary to ensure that public resources are protected from misuse and that there is transparency in the government’s dealings.
By filing this complaint, TFK added they are sending a message to the public the assurance that there is still someone doing the appropriate and necessary legal measures to protect people’s money from corruption and moving for transparency in the government.
TFK added they remain committed to safeguard the public from corruption and government abuses. By HENT
