Manila LGU execs face graft complaints

Dr. Leilani Lacuna, the sister of former Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, filed a graft and usurpation complaint against current Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Vice Mayor Chi Atienza and 13 other city officials at the Office of the Ombudsman on Tuesday.

Lacuna alleged that the officials conspired to illegally remove her as the president of the Liga ng mga Barangay following a “special election” held last month.

“This did not go through due process,” Lacuna said. “I am an ex-officio member of the Manila City Council because I am the legitimate Liga President of Manila. They removed me, and this is what I am fighting for.”

Lacuna claimed that after the May 2025 election, the respondents participated in a “grand plot” to oust her, citing a number of incidents, including questioning her personal travel authority and alleging that the mayor and other officials used intimidation tactics on barangay captains.

The complainant stated that the “nail in the coffin” was a General Assembly of Barangay Chairmen held on 7 November, followed by the election of a new set of Liga ng Barangay officers on 10 November.

Meantime, the local government of Manila responded with a statement, saying it had not yet formally received the complaint but respected the process.

The city highlighted that 844 out of 896 barangay chairpersons participated in the vote for the new officers, calling the turnout “historic.”