By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has asked the Iloilo provincial government to clarify whether its employees are allowed to use government resources for personal matters, including scrutinizing city government operations.
Treñas last week accused Jose Nereo Lujan, head of the Provincial Information and Community Affairs Office (PICAO), of using a provincial government service vehicle for non-work-related activities.
“I do not know if this is allowed. What I am sure of is that my employees here in the city government do not do that,” he said.
The mayor claimed that on Dec. 12, 2024, Lujan stepped out of a provincial government-owned van near an Anti-Squatting and Illegal Structures Unit (ASIS) operation in Mandurriao.
The task force was removing campaign posters from a private building along Diversion Road.
Treñas alleged that Lujan engaged in an argument with city personnel, emphasizing that it was “not his job to stop our people from enforcing and implementing the ordinance.”
He further claimed that Lujan also used a Capitol-issued vehicle when posting bail for three counts of cyberlibel filed against him by the mayor.
“I don’t know if he is using it with official papers because, you know, we have official cars. There is a trip ticket. The trip tickets should be checked […] Or perhaps the provincial government also allows him,” Treñas said.
Trip tickets document official travel, detailing the purpose of the trip, the vehicle used, and the passengers involved.
They help monitor government vehicle use and are crucial for auditing purposes.
Lujan admitted stopping briefly at the Emicon Building, which is owned by a relative, to inquire about Task Force ASIS personnel removing campaign posters.
He compared the visit to a quick bathroom break and argued that his brief stop did not significantly affect government work hours.
“I made a brief stop at Emicon – no different from taking a quick bathroom break. In fact, I even took videos of the Task Force ASIS personnel while I was there,” he said.
Hold Departure Order Sought
Treñas revealed plans to request a hold departure order (HDO) against Lujan following his indictment for cyberlibel.
An HDO is a legal directive issued by a court to prevent individuals, typically those facing criminal charges, from leaving the country.
Individuals subject to an HDO can file a motion to lift it, supported by evidence that they are not a flight risk or that circumstances have changed.
Meanwhile, Treñas said Lujan has not personally spoken to him about the charges.
When asked if he would accept an apology, the mayor said it would depend on Lujan’s sincerity.
“How can he apologize? What is he going to tell me? ‘I am sorry for maliciously putting you to shame?’” Treñas quipped.
