The city government of Muntinlupa debunked on Tuesday the circulating rumors that Mayor Jaime Fresnedi allegedly stole public funds through a contractor.
The rumors, which were circulating through a text message, accused Fresnedi of borrowing P1.2 billion from Landbank for the construction of a swimming pool, track and field, and the Alabang Public Market.
The loaned funds, however, allegedly went to the mayor's contractor identified as "D.L. Cervantes."
"Ito ay hayagang pagnanakaw sa pera ng bayan dahil dumidiretso ang kita sa contractor ni Mayor Fresnedi na si D.L. Cervantes," the rumor alleged.
(This is a clear robbery of public funds because the profit went directly to Mayor Fresnedi’s contractor who is D.L. Cervantes.)
In response, the city's treasury department said on Tuesday that while Muntinlupa was included in the RISE UP LGU Lending Program of Landbank, the city had enough funds for the construction of the projects approved under its Local Development Plan on Annual Investment Plan.
The said projects include the New Muntinlupa City Public Market, Muntinlupa City Aquatic Center, Sucat Senior High School Building, and more, according to the department.
"Dahil sa tama at wastong pamamahala sa pananalapi, magpasa hanggang-ngayon ang Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Muntinlupa ay hindi pa nakakapag-avail ng standby loan mula sa Landbank," the department said in its statement.
(Because of correct and proper management of funds, the City Government of Muntinlupa until now has not availed a standby loan from Landbank.)
It also included a certification from the bank which said the city has "no outstanding drawdown" as of December 31, 2021.
The rumors surfaced months before the national and local elections in May, which sees Fresnedi running for the lone district of Muntinlupa.
