Ombudsman orders ex-Mexico mayor, officials to answer land deal complaint

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered former Mexico, Pampanga Mayor Teddy Tumang and several members of the Sangguniang Bayan to submit their counter-affidavits in connection with a complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation’s Organized and Transnational Crimes Division (NBI-OTCD).

In an order dated 20 November 2025 and obtained by this reporter on 17 December, the Ombudsman cited findings by the NBI-OTCD indicating alleged “conspiracy among the respondents” in the acquisition of two parcels of land by the Municipality of Mexico.

The NBI-OTCD flagged alleged irregularities in the procurement process and questioned contracts entered into during Tumang’s term as mayor, saying the transactions violated auditing, procurement, and other applicable laws. The findings were based on documents submitted by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts.

Recommended for prosecution are former mayor Tumang, Aedy Tai Yang, Roy Gomez, spouses Arnel and Sonia Pangilinan, and other municipal officials for alleged violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as Grave Misconduct, Serious Dishonesty, and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service.

Records show that in 2023, the municipality acquired two parcels of land: one in Barangay San Antonio for the proposed new municipal hall and another in Barangay San Jose Matulid for a planned public market. Investigators alleged the properties were purchased for prices up to 700 percent higher than their prior acquisition costs and were located outside the zoning areas identified in the municipality’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

The NBI said the acquisition process allegedly bypassed required feasibility studies, proper appraisals, and legislative procedures. Municipal officials led by Tumang, including Roy Gomez, were cited as having facilitated the transactions, with private landowners allegedly playing key roles.

In its Affidavit of Investigation, the NBI stated that “there is a presence of conspiracy among the respondents.”

Based on the evidence gathered, the bureau said “the local government officials of Mexico, led by Mayor Teddy Tumang, together with SB Members, MAC officials and other municipal personnel, in conspiracy with private individuals Aedy Yang and spouses Pangilinan, collectively executed a deliberate and unlawful scheme in the acquisition of two parcels of land for the intended relocation of the Municipal Hall and Public Market.”

Investigators cited the purchase of a one-hectare property from Aedy Yang for P29.5 million and a 17,829-square-meter parcel from the Pangilinan spouses for P50.03 million, both allegedly overpriced.

The NBI said “the MAC, SB members, and other LGU officials, in their respective capacities, facilitated the acquisition and eventual payment of the parcels of land despite glaring irregularities.”

The report added that “these irregularities were not isolated acts of negligence but part of a concerned pattern of conduct aimed at favoring private individuals. The systematic disregard of mandatory procedures – including the circumvention of public hearings, hasty approval of resolutions in lieu of ordinances, and the absence of essential certifications – reflects manifest partiality and evident bad faith.”

It further stated that “Mayor Tumang and his associates were instrumental in facilitating the transaction, conversely, the sellers’ unusually prompt payment of taxes and swift title transfers further suggest foreknowledge and coordination, revealing a pre-arranged agreement to benefit from the public acquisition.”