Ombuds dismisses admin raps vs mayor, suspends five others

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines - — The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas dismissed the administrative complaint against Valladolid town Mayor Rommel Yogore, but ordered the suspension of five employees of the municipal government for the same case of implementing a P250,000-project without public bidding.

In the criminal complaint, the Ombudsman however recommended for the filing of the charges against Yogore and six others for violation of the Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The Ombudsman had found probable cause to indict the mayor and the five municipal employees.

The Ombudsman further approved the filing of the graft charges against proprietor Jonie Nieve of JB Nieve Hardware and Construction Supply.

Both the administrative and criminal complaints were filed by local broadcaster Larry Concepcion.

In the 18-page decision, approved by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales last February 25, a copy of which was released to the media only yesterday, the Ombudsman dismissed the administrative charge against the mayor for being moot and academic under the Aguinaldo Doctrine.

Likewise, the Ombudsman also dismissed the same administrative complaint against Municipal Accountant Cherryl Aguirre, Municipal Treasurer Lilian Española and Executive Assistant Arnaldo Virgo for no substantial evidence.

The Ombudsman however ordered the DILG-Region 6 director to impose a three-month suspension without pay on the five members of the LGU's bids and awards committee for simple misconduct.

Suspended were Municipal Agriculturist Giovanni Robles, also the chair of the BAC; Municipal Engineer and BAC vice chairman Joseph Alfonso Manayon; and BAC members Municipal Registrar Ernesto Genobis,  cashier II Daisy Galve and accounting clerk II Merlene Magbanua.

They will also face the criminal charges, filed against them, the mayor and the supplier.

The Ombudsman said the procurement of the project, which was for the repair and improvement of a Rural Health Unit building, was done through shopping and not through competitive bidding. (FREEMAN)