The acting manager of Manila’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) filed criminal and administrative complaints with the Office of the Ombudsman, alleging the misuse of more than P319 million in public funds by former city officials.

PESO acting chief John Hiroshi Umeda Jr. accused several officials from the previous administration of plunder, malversation, graft and falsification. The complaint centers on the Kalinga sa Manileño (KASAMA) Program, a pandemic-era employment initiative.

The complaint names several high-ranking former officials, including former Secretary to the Mayor Marlon Lacson, former PESO manager Fernan Bermejo, former Department of Public Services head Jonathan Garzo and former Liga ng mga Barangay president Leilani Lacuna.

Also named were PESO staffer Angelika Thea Marie Filamor and Michael Nicole Roldan, who allegedly handled the physical transport of cash.

Umeda filed the charges following a records review ordered by Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, who assumed office 30 June. The review was prompted by reports of missing documents and irregular disbursements.