Recent occurrences led by the mayor who toppled a 30-year long dynasty once again has shaken the local politics of the City of Seven Lakes, showing his continued push for a renewed city by 2028.
San Pablo City Mayor Arcadio “Najie” Gapangada filed malversation and graft complaints against his Vice Mayor Justin Colago at the Office of the Ombudsman on Monday, Apr. 27 following suspicions of a misuse of public funds by the city’s second-in-command.
The criminal charges, according to the mayor, were based on an investigation of an alleged irregularity in payrolls at the Office of the Vice Mayor, which showed that more than 100 individuals who were listed as employees never existed.
“Hindi po sila ang tumatanggap ng natural na sweldo na napay ibang tao ang tumatanggap ng sweldo at ito ay ginawa sa pamamagitan ng paglilinlang sa kanila,” Gapangada said in an interview.
He adds that the plot by the vice mayor was already planned way before he was elected as city mayor in July 2025.
The former city councilor also revealed that through their investigations on daily time records and accomplishment reports, they found out that some of these individuals were receiving salaries, even if they were abroad. A few also attested that they did not receive any pay.
“Records will show na nandiyan po sa paymaster… may tumanggap ng pera. Now when you interview the people involved, ay hindi po sila tumanggap… at sila po ay handang magbigay ng mga susumpaang salaysay,” the mayor stated.
He also added that there are individuals that are ready to submit sworn affidavits to prove that their identities were used in these activities, and called for others to also come forth and testify as well.
Yet in a statement released on Apr. 30 by Vice Mayor Colago, he denied any involvement in the crime, saying that it is all “propaganda and strategies” done by Gapangada’s team to ruin his name.
“Bilang Presiding Officer o tagapamuno sa Sangguniang Panlungsod ng lokal na pamahalaan, kailanman ay hindi po natin binaluktot ang batas upang manlamang o magkaroon ng sariling interes sa paglilingkuran,” he said.
He adds that these “attacks” by them will only weaken the city as a whole—due to an attitude by the mayor that calls for a new change. Yet, Colago declared that he will still “continue to serve” the people, even if there are charges filed against him.
“Unahin po natin ang lumikha at tayo dumalangin sa pagkakaisa ng bawa’t isang San Pableño na babangon nang may dangal at iisa ang layunin,” the vice mayor added.
Other than the malversation and graft complaints, Gapangada filed a complaint for alleged violation of the following: Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, grave abuse of authority, serious dishonesty, and grave misconduct.
Written by Francis Santos, Insight PH
Francis Santos, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
