ANGELES CITY, Philippines — Pyra Lucas, representative of the United Pilipino Against Crime and Corruption (UPACC), is calling for an update on the graft complaint filed against Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting and several city councilors. The urgency of the request is underscored by the ongoing election period, as some of the implicated officials are seeking reelection.​

The complaint, lodged in October 2024, stems from a 2022 Commission on Audit (COA) report that identified discrepancies in the hiring of 314 job order (JO) workers by the city council. The report highlighted the absence of an organizational structure, staffing plan, or formal hiring policy, and noted that many JOs were employed beyond the allowable six-month period. Furthermore, 171 JOs could not be located for validation, raising concerns about the legitimacy of these hires.​

In February 2025, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered the accused officials to submit counter-affidavits and respond to a request for preventive suspension. Vice Mayor Cabigting and six councilors—JC Aguas, Marino Bañola, Cris Cortez, Raco del Rosario, Edu Pamintuan, and Arvin Suller—are currently campaigning for reelection. Additionally, Alfie Bonifacio, who resigned in April 2024 and transferred his voter registration to San Fernando City, is running for a seat on the Pampanga provincial board.​

Lucas emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability, especially during the election season, stating, “The public deserves to know the status of the officials involved in this complaint before casting their votes.”

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