Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali Matabalao has publicly declared his innocence in response to plunder charges filed against him by six city councilors. Speaking at a press conference on January 23, 2025, Matabalao firmly stated his intention to clear his name, suggesting that the timing of the accusations, coinciding with his reelection campaign for the May 12 elections, raises suspicions of political maneuvering.
The allegations, brought forward by former allies within the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), claim that Matabalao misappropriated PHP81 million in city funds. The councilors, including Marouf Pasawiran, Abdulrakim Usman, Hunyn Abu, Kusin Taha, Henjie Ali, and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Noriel Pasawiran, have accused the mayor of breaching the Plunder Law (Republic Act 7080).
The complaint, lodged in August 2024, centers on discrepancies in a PHP118 million loan obtained from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) in 2022. According to the complainants, while the city’s financial statements show PHP52 million of the principal loan was paid, DBP records only acknowledge PHP29 million, leaving PHP23 million unaccounted for.
In addition to targeting Matabalao, the councilors have called for the suspension of several city officials involved in financial management, including City Accountant Primitivo Glimada Jr., City Treasurer Teddy Inta, City Budget Officer Regina Detalla, and City Planning and Development Coordinator Ma. Adela Fiesta.
Matabalao has not yet received any formal notice from the Ombudsman and has refrained from further comment on the case. He insists that all financial transactions were approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) and maintains that the accusations are politically motivated.
The relationship between the city mayor’s office and the city council has deteriorated over recent budget disputes, highlighting the underlying tensions that may have contributed to the current legal battle.