By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
In response to the Office of the Ombudsman ordering the dismissal of former Bacolod City Councilor and 2016 Liberal Party candidate for Bacolod Lone District representative Carl Lopez, former Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella said Lopez was audacious by giving orders to traffic authorities in the city.
According to the case, the former city councilor unlawfully issued truck ban exemptions to certain companies and individuals, a function of the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO).
The former mayor noted, Lopez’s behavior is not a good example to the public, especially for a young politician like him.
Puentevella added the circumstances of the case are also discouraging, saying, “Lopez is still young but he is already facing a huge complaint before the Sandiganbayan, which could possibly result in a bigger penalty.”
Lopez’s usurpation of authority was earlier forwarded to the Sandiganbayan, however, with the former city councilor’s current separation from office, the penalty was converted into a fine equivalent to one year salary.
The former congressional aspirant has already filed a motion for reconsideration, which is currently pending./WDJ