ANGELES CITY – The Commission on Audit (COA) has officially cleared Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting and 12 members of the Angeles City Council of any involvement in the alleged “ghost employee” controversy that surfaced last year.
In a report released as of March 31, 2025, COA confirmed that there are no disallowances, suspensions, or legal charges filed against the Vice Mayor and her fellow councilors. The audit result puts to rest the accusations and reinforces the credibility and transparency of the current city leadership.
The complaint, filed by Pyra Lucas, alleged that 171 Job Order (JO) workers were “missing” and questioned whether they were legitimately employed by the city government. However, the investigation revealed that these JO workers had been active on the ground, serving various barangays and assisting with grassroots programs.
Vice Mayor Vega welcomed the COA’s findings and expressed relief that the truth had come out. “We work with transparency and heart,” she said in a statement, highlighting her administration’s commitment to honest and people-centered governance.
Supporters and civic groups have also spoken out in defense of Vega and the councilors. Russelle Ponce, a known civic leader in Angeles City, labeled the allegations as “pure fabrication” and suggested that the complaint was politically motivated to divert attention from the city’s developmental efforts.
The councilors involved echoed similar sentiments, saying the clearance reaffirms their integrity and encourages them to continue focusing on the city’s needs rather than defending themselves against baseless accusations.
With the issue now officially resolved, the local government is urging residents to remain united and focused on shared goals. “Let’s not allow distractions to take us away from the progress we’re building,” Vega said, as she and the council resumed their work with renewed support from the public.
Source: New Media Pampanga
