Sibuco Mayor Embroiled in Alleged Party-List Scam
A controversial video call recording has thrown Sibuco town Mayor Joel Ventura into the spotlight, with claims that he may have been duped into paying P5 million for a party-list nomination for his wife.
The incident raises questions about his personal judgment. It also casts a shadow over how public officials manage their resources and priorities.
Denials Amid Rising Suspicions
Mayor Ventura admitted to Rappler on Tuesday, January 7, that he is the man featured in the video.
However, he firmly denied transferring any money to scammers, dismissing the allegations as mere speculation.
“Hindi totoo ‘yun, meron lang nag-offer (It’s not true, there was just an offer),” Ventura said in Filipino before abruptly ending the interview. He later cited poor signal as the reason for being unable to return calls.
The video, which surfaced online, features a conversation in which a negotiator appears to pressure Ventura for receipts of payments. The discussion implies that Ventura had sent P5 million in several installments, allegedly to secure a second nominee slot for his wife, Annaly, in an unnamed party-list group.
“Send me the receipts so I can tell them that Mayor Ventura has already sent P5 million, and why the mayor’s wife is still not taking her oath,” the broker is heard saying.
Fallout in Sibuco
The leaked recording has ignited a firestorm in Sibuco, a rural town grappling with economic and social challenges. Vice Mayor Laurel Mahamod, who is challenging Ventura in the upcoming elections, expressed outrage over the mayor’s alleged actions.
“The people were shocked and disgusted. Losing that much money over something unethical reflects poorly on his leadership,” Mahamod stated.
Former Sibuco mayor Norbideiri Edding also weighed in, questioning Ventura’s financial capacity.
“It’s incredible that he could spend such an amount, considering his income is limited to his government salary. It makes you wonder how he manages his finances,” Edding said.
Broader Implications
The scandal comes at a time when Sibuco faces pressing challenges, including its fragile peace and order situation and economic hardships. Mahamod pointed to unresolved issues under Ventura’s administration, including the closure of the Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) extension campus last year due to a lack of teachers. Funds amounting to P10 million had been earmarked for faculty recruitment, yet the campus remains shuttered.
“We demand transparency. The mayor needs to disclose how public funds, particularly the 20% development fund, have been spent,” Mahamod asserted.
A Town Under Scrutiny
Sibuco, home to over 36,000 residents, primarily relies on farming and fishing for its livelihood. Located 288 kilometers southwest of Dipolog City, the town has long struggled with peace and security.
In October 2024, American national Elliot Eastman was abducted by unidentified gunmen in Sibuco. Despite resisting, he was shot and reportedly killed, with his body believed to have been dumped at sea.
Trust in Leadership at Stake
Sibuco’s residents grapple with the implications of the leaked video. Many are calling for a deeper investigation into the mayor’s conduct.
The scandal underscores the importance of integrity and accountability among public officials, especially in underserved communities.
It remains to be seen if Ventura can weather the storm. But the incident has undeniably shaken public confidence in local governance.
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