THE Ombudsman for the Visayas has indicted Sangguniang Bayan members of Calape town for violation of Section 3(E), Republic Act No. 3019, Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as amended.
And it recommended for the filing of criminal charges against the said SB members in proper court.
“Wherefore, finding probable cause, 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 in conspiracy with each other for violation of section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, as amended. Accordingly, let the corresponding information for violation of section 3(e) of RA 3019 against them be filed in the proper court,” the Ombudsman said.
But Vice-mayor Sulpicio Yu, Kag. Madelone Y. Rengel and Kag. John Ted Labajo were not charged for there is no probable cause to indict them in the enactment of the Municipal Ordinance No. 2024-01 and the subsequent casting of votes to override the veto of the mayor.
The provision of said law reads as follows: (e) Causing any undue injury to any party, including the Government, or giving any private party any unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference in the discharge of his official administrative or judicial functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence. This provision shall apply to officers and employees of offices or government corporations charged with the grant of licenses or permits or other concessions.
The order was signed by Graft Investigator and Prosecutor I Marelle Paula M. Gutierrez and recommended for approval by Assistant Ombudsman Gaudioso Melendres and approved by Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Dante Flores Vargas.
The said case stemmed from the Municipal Ordinance No. 2024-01, series of 2024, that the SB allegedly declared “inoperative” relative to the use/allocation of 20% Development fund, then Mayor Julius Caesar F. Herrera told this writer. But consequently, the said legislative measure was vetoed by the mayor.
Herrera filed the case before the ombudsman against the respondents in a 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.
The Ombudsman for the Visayas, earlier, has held aforesaid respondents (SB members) administratively liable for grave misconduct, according to the order of the Ombudsman’s office.
“They (respondents) 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.
This writer is still trying to contact the respondents to get their side. (rvo)
