ON Monday, June 23, Councilor Rustico Ian Achas responded to Councilor Alam Lim’s privileged speech, which called for an investigation into allegations against Gusa Barangay Chairman Marlo Tabac. Achas referred to Lim’s call as an example of “trial by publicity.”
During his speech, ex-officio member and outgoing ABC President Alam Lim urged the council to investigate alleged irregularities in Barangay Gusa, citing them as one of the reasons for Tabac's removal from the Liga.
Lim accused Tabac of misusing check accounts for personal gain and intentionally delaying the disbursement of honorarium payments to Barangay Gusa, stating that these actions constituted serious misconduct.
Lim presented documents to the council that supported the Liga’s claims against Tabac and requested that the Commission on Audit (COA) conduct a special audit of the barangay's budget and expenditures.
“I cannot turn a blind eye to the welfare of your constituents and the integrity of the Liga as a whole,” Lim stated during the session.
Lim requested the finance committee and the blue ribbon committee to investigate the allegations and to file appropriate charges against Tabac.
However, Achas argued that the situation surrounding Tabac was a classic case of trial by publicity.
Achas, who previously served as a Barangay Chairman of Puerto, explained that trial by publicity occurs when someone’s guilt or innocence is determined by public opinion rather than due process.
He emphasized that Lim’s report could harm Tabac’s integrity, noting that Tabac has the responsibility of presiding over the Liga as its President.
“I never thought that Marlo Tabac, who has provided all his support to Councilor Alam, would be repaid with a trial by publicity,” Achas remarked, urging his colleagues to ensure due process for Tabac.
Councilor Edgar Cabanlas, who heads the Blue Ribbon Committee, said that his committee would accept complaints only through formal affidavits.
“The blue ribbon committee will wait for an official complaint; we cannot take action based on a verbal report,” Cabanlas added.
