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Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and three other officials are facing criminal and administrative complaints filed before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas. The complaints were filed over the illegal use of a building owned by the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) by the Cebu City Hall. The officials are accused of violating the Illegal Use of Public Funds and Property and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The complaint was filed by Jundel Bontuyan, former manager of the Cebu City Sports Center during the previous administration. Bontuyan is seeking the preventive suspension of the officials pending investigation and their dismissal from public office if found guilty.

It was announced on July 21 that the Cebu City Government had opened its satellite office in the MCWD-owned building. However, no contract had been signed between MCWD and the City regarding the rental fee. The proposed lease rate by MCWD was P700,000 per month, while the City countered with P200,000.

Despite the absence of a contract, renovation works began on the building using government funds and resources. Bontuyan argues that this is a violation of the law, which states that revenue funds should not be used without lawful appropriations or statutory authority. He also alleges that the officials violated procurement rules by using the building without competitive bidding.

Bontuyan claims that the actions of the City officials are not only illegal but also conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. He argues that the funds and property intended for the maintenance and repair of City Hall and public schools are being misappropriated and misused.

The case will now be investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas to determine if there is sufficient evidence to hold the officials accountable for their actions.

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