The Office of the Ombudsman has directed General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao and eight members of the city council to respond to a graft complaint regarding an alleged irregularity in the proposed P2.3-billion “mallengke” deal.

The complaint, lodged last year by city councilor Jose Edmar Yumang, claims that the respondents violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019) over an unsolicited proposal from Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) to redevelop the city’s central public market.

The complaint alleges that the approval process for RLC’s proposal was not conducted transparently, and that certain officials may have bypassed legal requirements for public bidding and proper consultation.

The deal, valued at P2.3 billion, involves RLC’s plan to overhaul the city’s public market, or “mallengke,” which has long been a vital trade hub for the residents of General Santos.

Yumang contends that the respondents did not act in the best interest of the public and may have shown favoritism towards the private corporation.

In addition to Mayor Pacquiao, the complaint names Councilors Dominador Lagare Jr., Jose Orlando Acharon, Maria Lourdes Casabuena, Elizabeth Bagonoc, Richard L. Atendido, Virginia Llido, Lucio Cawayan Sr. and Elijah Joanne Polistico, as well as members of the Local Development Council and the negotiating committee.

These officials are accused of participating in the process that led to the approval of RLC’s proposal, despite concerns raised about its legality.

The Ombudsman has instructed the respondents to file their counter-affidavits within 10 days of receiving the order, along with supporting documents and affidavits from their witnesses. The Ombudsman is expected to review all submissions before determining whether to proceed with formal charges or drop the case.

Councilor Atendido, one of the named respondents, confirmed that they had filed a motion for an extension, as allowed by the Ombudsman’s office.