Bacolod mayor appeals dismissal order

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia has appealed a ruling of the Office of the Ombudsman dismissing him and nine other officials for grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty. 

Leonardia said yesterday he filed a petition for temporary restraining order and injunction before the Court of Appeals.

“We shall face this case squarely. We shall argue our case on its merits and clear our names at the proper forum,” Leonardia said.

Leonardia admitted that the ombudsman resolution came as a surprise, noting that they were told the case is “closed and terminated.” 

Citing the cases filed against  Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno, Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco Sr. and Negros Orinetal Gov. Roel Degamo, Leonardia said he is confident that the case against him would also be dismissed under the Aguinaldo doctrine. A reelected official’s administrative liability from alleged wrongdoing during a previous term is extinguished under the doctrine.

Leonardia’s dismissal stemmed from the alleged anomalous purchase of office furniture and fixtures from 2008 and 2010 amounting to P49,059,696.81.

Also ordered dismissed were former bids and awards committee chairman Goldwyn Nifras and BAC members budget officer Luzviminda Treyes, public services department head Nelson Sedillo Sr., accountant Eduardo Ravena, treasurer Annabelle Badajos, and city engineers Belly Aguillon, Aladino Agbones and Jaries Ebenizer Encabo.

The ombudsman ordered the filing of graft charges against the respondents before the Sandiganbayan.

The ombudsman public assistance and corruption prevention office in the Visayas said the respondents procured the office furniture and fixtures from Comfac Corp. despite irregularities in the bidding procedure and lack of a legitimate contract.

“As city mayor, Leonardia is duty-bound to exercise general supervision and control over all programs, projects, services and activities of the city government, including examining the books, records and documents of all offices,” the ombudsman resolution read.

“Had he performed his supervisory duty, he would have noticed deviations from the requirements of the procurement law and rules and corrected them,” it added. – Gilbert Bayoran, Elizabeth Marcelo