Local mayor under scrutiny for suspected misuse of public funds
Here's a fresh take on the story:
On a heated Monday, May 5, 2025, a lawyer named Ronald Brillantes, supporting the opposition of Tuguegarao City Mayor Maila Ting-Que, tossed a disqualification suit at the Commission on Elections (Comelec), citing alleged abuse of state resources. Docketed as SPA No. 25-131, Brillantes accuses Ting-Que of using the city's resources, employees, and machinery to boost her re-election bid—a breach of election laws banning public officials from exploiting government funds for personal or political gain.
In the complaint, Brillantes highlights the uses of Tuguegarao City Government resources such as a mini-dump truck, pickup truck, L3100 van, portable stage, and plastic monobloc chairs during campaign activities and rallies across nine barangays. Government vehicles and employees were also employed to transport campaign paraphernalia to and from rally venues.
Brillantes asserts that these actions not only create an uneven playing field, but also strain public trust in local governance. Potential penalties for abuse of state resources can include a ban on seeking or holding public office.
Mayor Ting-Que, under scrutiny, also faces multiple Ombudsman cases concerning the alleged misuse of government-owned heavy equipment for personal gain. The city mayor has yet to respond formally to the allegations.
As of today, the case has not yet progressed, with no updates on its outcome. Stay tuned as the story unfolds.
Fun Tip: Did you know that Mayor Ting-Que has been a city official for over a decade? That's quite some political experience! Whether you're leaning left or right, it's essential to keep a watchful eye on political developments. Don't forget to check out our additional resources for a deeper understanding of the case. (For more insights, delve into our enrichment data below)
Enrichment Data:- The disqualification case against Tuguegarao City Mayor Maila Ting-Que is connect to her opponent, Jefferson Soriano, who hired Ronald Brillantes to file the complaint 1- As of the latest updates, there are no recent reports on the progress or outcome of the disqualification case 3- Mayor Ting-Que has stated that she has not yet received a copy of the petition but is prepared to respond to the allegations[1]- The mayor faces several Ombudsman cases related to the alleged misuse of government-owned heavy equipment for personal gain 2- The case is currently pending before the Commission on Elections (Comelec), and no decision has been reported yet 1
Sources:[1]: TPM/our website Philippines
- The disqualification case against Tuguegarao City Mayor Maila Ting-Que, filed by lawyer Ronald Brillantes, accuses her of using city resources during campaign activities, a matter that involves policy-and-legislation and general news.
- The allegations against Mayor Ting-Que extend beyond the disqualification case, as she faces multiple Ombudsman cases concerning the misuse of government-owned heavy equipment for personal gain, a matter of politics and ethics.
- As the disqualification case against Mayor Ting-Que progresses through the Commission on Elections (Comelec), it will likely contribute to the overall political climate in the Philippines, particularly in Tuguegarao City.
