THE Ombudsman for the Visayas has held respondents/members of the Sanggniang Bayan of Calape town liable for grave misconduct and abuse of authority, according to the order issued by the Ombudsman’s office.
Dismissed from public service and other penalties imposed on them are SB Members Joyce M. Josol, Maria Aileen D. Veloso, Jeannie Verano, Ma. Leonora G. Rulona, Bella C. Ancog, Amado T. Samijon and Mark Louise C. Cambangay.
“They (respondents) are meted the penalty of dismissal from public service with accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office and taking civil service examination is imposed on them,” The Ombudsman said.
The case arose from a complaint filed by then Mayor Julius Caesar F. Herrera against the respondents in Omb-V-A-Jul-24-0127 for Abuse of Authority, Gross Neglect of Duty and Misconduct, according to the said order obtained by this writer.
It (case) had something to do with the Municipal Ordinance No. 2024-01, series of 2024, that the SB allegedly declared “inoperative” relative to the use/allocation of 20% Development fund, Herrera told this writer. But consequently, the said legislative measure was vetoed by the mayor.
The Ombudsman said that Vice-Mayor Junie Yu cannot be indicted since he is the presiding officer of the SB and can only vote in case of a tie.
The Ombudsman exonerated Kagawad Madelone Rengel and Kag. John Ted Labajo from the accusation since they are not public officials. The two officials were separated from service on October 31, 2023 when the controversial Municipal Ordinance No. 2024-01, series of 2024, was enacted.
Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Dante Flores Vargas signed on July 8, 2025 the said Order per recommendation of Assistant Ombudsman Gaudioso Mendez on June 27, 2025. (rvo)
