By Paulo Loreto Lim

Following reports of an unidentified individual calling The Mansion, a hotel in Iloilo City, last week, posing as Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III, the local chief executive has since warned local businessmen of a potential scam.

“I have already asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into the incident,” said Espinosa. “This is a serious misrepresentation and a criminal act.”

“I am very concerned and very unhappy about this incident,” he added. “It [questions] my integrity as [a] public official and my reputation as [a] private citizen.”

According to reports, the poser called the hotel and requested to speak with management, specifically asking for officer-in-charge Ferdinand Yanes; who later transferred the call to his superior, Noel Sy.

The mayor suggests, if one received such a call, to confirm with the City Mayor’s Office, the NBI, and the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).

Earlier this month, the Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Ceneco) warned customers of individuals posing as Ceneco employees trying to sell “electricity saving” devices, which the utility co-op says have yet to be proven if such devices are effective.

If encountering such individuals, Ceneco suggests taking a photo of the person or persons and to get in contact with their office./PLL, WDJ