THE FOLLOWING IS A PRIVILEGE SPEECH BY CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY COUNCILOR YAM LAM LIM ON JUNE 23, 2025
“Engaging in public service presents a significant opportunity,but also a significant responsibility.
Ang kahigayunan nga kita maka-serbisyo usa ka dakong oportunidad, apan naghatag usab kini kanato sa dako nga responsibildad.
To my esteemed barangay captains, distinguished colleagues, friends from the media, Mister Presiding Officer and the people of Cagayan De Oro, maayong hapon kanatong tanan.
In this final session as the representative of all eighty barangay captains and my fellow council members, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and for your understanding of my shortcomings—shortcomings that have only strengthened my resolve to serve with integrity.
As I step down from my role as League President, I do so with deep gratitude and a measure of apprehension.
I am grateful for the new mandate entrusted to me as a regular city councilor, which allows me to continue serving and supporting the meaningful initiatives of Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy for the betterment of all.
However, my concern stems from the individual who will succeed me. Vice President Captain Marlo Tabac, in collusion with his treasurer, has allegedly engaged in serious misconduct: the misuse of the barangay checking account for personal gain, intentional delays in honorarium disbursements to barangay workers, improper honorarium payments to his barangay councilors, and continued delays in releasing the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) budget.
To support these claims, I present the following:
1. A copy of a barangay check issued to Mrs. Trining Go for ₱315,000, which was returned due to insufficient funds.
2. Complaint letters from two barangay councilors and barangay police officers.
3. A formal request to the Commission on Audit (COA) for a special audit into the barangay’s budget and expenditures.
4. Additionally, several contractors—some of whom are close to me—have not yet received payment for their services.
Not only that, The Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas Cdo Chapter has filed a petition of his removal for misfeasance and malfeasance.
Captain Marlo Tabac, I must ask:
Where did you allocate the barangay’s funds?
What compelled you to use a barangay check for personal gain?
Are your council members and constituents aware of these actions?
These acts are clear violations of Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as the Bouncing Checks Law. More importantly, they represent a betrayal of the trust of the very people you vowed to serve.
While I regret that I must raise these issues at this time, I cannot turn a blind eye to the welfare of your constituents and the integrity of the league as a whole. I carry the responsibility of protecting public funds and upholding public trust.
Therefore, as outgoing League President, I respectfully call upon my colleagues, the finance committee, and the ethics committee to thoroughly investigate these allegations.
Should the findings support these claims, I strongly recommend the filing of appropriate charges against Captain Marlo Tabac.”
