Angelika Dela Cruz Sued for Alleged Fund Misuse
ANGELIKA DELA CRUZ — The incumbent captain of Barangay Longos in Malabon City is facing several complaints filed before the Ombudsman. A voter named Arman Ramos filed the cases on Monday, accusing Dela Cruz of misusing over ₱70 million in barangay funds.
According to anti-corruption lawyer Atty. Gabriel Ablola, Dela Cruz has been charged with plunder, 62 counts of malversation of public funds, 18 counts of failure to render accounts, illegal use of public funds, and 64 counts of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Aside from financial issues, Dela Cruz is also accused of neglecting her duties by frequently being absent without filing an official leave. It is alleged that she improperly delegated her responsibilities to her brother, Kagawad Erick Dela Cruz, without proper authorization.
In addition, the barangay treasurer, Earnest Dela Cruz, has been charged with failure to render accounts and illegal use of public funds. Meanwhile, Erick Dela Cruz is facing a complaint for grave misconduct.
The Ombudsman is now reviewing the complaints, as those involved seek to hold the barangay officials accountable for the alleged misuse of public resources.
Meanwhile, Angelika Dela Cruz, whose real name is Maria Lourdes Egger dela Cruz, is an actress, singer, and politician. She started her showbiz career in 1995 and rose to fame through television dramas such as Mara Clara and Esperanza on ABS-CBN. She later transferred to GMA Network, where she starred in hit series like Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin and Habang Kapiling Ka. Known for her versatility, she played both lead and antagonist roles in notable shows like Bituing Walang Ningning and Mundo Mo’y Akin.
Aside from acting, Angelika pursued a singing career, releasing albums under BMG Records Pilipinas and Star Records. In her personal life, she is married to Orion Casareo, with whom she has two sons. She is the elder sister of actress Mika dela Cruz and the late singer Edward dela Cruz