Dalaguete mayor fires back at NBI-7

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DALAGUETE, Cebu — Mayor Ronald Allan Cesante fired back at the National Bureau of Investigation Central Visayas (NBI-7) over the recent corruption charges filed against him and 11 other municipal officials, stemming from a P9.65-million road project in Barangay Poblacion.

Cesante claims that the NBI's actions are politically motivated, aimed at undermining his administration just 45 days before the May 2025 elections.

In a press conference at the Dalaguete Municipal Hall, Cesante expressed his frustration with the NBI's refusal to provide him with a copy of the complaint.

He argued that this lack of transparency has effectively blocked the local government unit's ability to appropriately respond to the allegations.

Despite the NBI's invitation to meet on Feb. 18 to discuss the charges, Cesante said that the agency refused to accept the evidence he presented and did not provide him with the details of the complaint, even after his repeated requests.

REBUT Dalaguete Mayor Ronald Allan Cesante addresses the media at the Dalaguete Municipal Hall, branding the corruption charges filed against him by the NBI as politically motivated. PHOTO BY KAISER JAN FUENTES 

The complaint, filed on March 28, accuses Cesante and other Dalaguete officials of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019), malversation of public funds under the Revised Penal Code, and grave misconduct under the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act 6713).

The charges relate to an alleged irregular road repair and concreting project along Manuel L. Quezon street, which was officially awarded to Socor Construction Corporation through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The NBI's investigation alleges that the LGU executed the project using its own manpower and equipment while Socor Construction still received full payment for the project.

Cesante refuted this claim, asserting that the LGU's road project was separate from the DPWH's initiative.

He said that the LGU's project was properly documented and was done in phases due to funding concerns, with no overlap with the DPWH project.

"The complainant is trying to paint a picture where the LGU is performing the job of DPWH. That is a lie," said Cesante, who believes that the charges were fabricated.

Cesante further explained that the LGU worked on a separate 279-meter stretch of road, while the DPWH covered 377.60 meters, ensuring that there was no overlap between the two projects.

Cesante also criticized the timing of the charges, pointing out that the case was filed just 45 days before the May 12 elections, calling the move suspicious.

He suggested that the case was part of a strategy to discredit him ahead of the polls.

This was the seventh case filed against Dalaguete officials, which Cesante found concerning, believing it to be politically motivated.

"This case is just one of the many that were filed during this period. We are now in the election season, and there are attempts to politically influence the elections," Cesante said.

He vowed to take legal action against those behind what he called "irregular, unethical, and punitive methods" aimed at affecting the election process.

Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Cesante maintained that the LGU has followed all necessary protocols in implementing the road projects.

He reiterated that the LGU's road initiatives were distinct and fully compliant with the law.

Cesante also called on government agencies to thoroughly examine the allegations and ensure that investigations are conducted fairly.

The case is now under review by the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas, which will determine the next steps in the investigation against Cesante and the other accused individuals.