Ombudsman suspends Mayor Cesante, 11 others

CEBU, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered a six-month preventive suspension of outgoing Dalaguete Mayor Ronald Allan G. Cesante, Vice Mayor William O. Lagahid, and nine other municipal officials over administrative complaints involving the construction of an allegedly overpriced pre-fabricated warehouse on private property.

The preventive suspension order, dated June 2, 2025, was signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires in connection with two separate complaints—OMB-V-A-OCT-24-0191 and OMB-V-A-OCT-24-0192—filed by Jose Rene E. Moran and Braulio G. Moran.

In the first complaint, Cesante and Municipal Assessor Edmund M. Centeno face charges of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, conduct unbecoming of a public official, grave abuse of authority, grave misconduct, and serious dishonesty.

The second complaint named 11 municipal officials as respondents—including Cesante and Centeno—and accuses them of gross neglect of duty and serious dishonesty.

Other respondents include Vice Mayor Lagahid; Sangguniang Bayan Member Kevin V. Belandres; Municipal Engineer Expedezitas S. Lenares; Zoning Officer II Essandre P. Ambrad; Administrative Aide VI Claire M. Bacala; Local Legislative Staff Officer II Loel B. Fajardo; Municipal Budget Officer Brenda S. Vergara; Municipal Government Department Head I Donald Abraham P. Lara; and Administrative Assistant V Cristina Y. Miranda.

The complaints stem from the alleged unauthorized occupation and construction of a municipal warehouse on a property owned by the heirs of the late Maria Zambrano—without the owners’ knowledge or consent, and in the absence of a deed of conveyance in favor of the municipality.

“Records also show that no expropriation proceedings had been initiated involving the subject lot,” the Ombudsman stated.

The Ombudsman jointly resolved the two motions for preventive suspension filed on April 23, 2025, against the public officers of the Municipality of Dalaguete.

It ruled that strong evidence of guilt exists and that the charges—if proven—may result in dismissal from service.

“To preserve documents, safeguard evidence, and prevent possible further misconduct, the suspension was deemed necessary,” it added.

The suspension, which is without pay, will last until the conclusion of administrative proceedings, but not exceeding six months—unless delays are caused by the respondents themselves.

Under Section 27 of the Ombudsman Act (Republic Act 6770), the order is immediately executory, regardless of any motion or appeal, unless reversed by the Office of the Ombudsman or a court of competent jurisdiction.

As of this writing, the outgoing mayor has yet to issue an official statement regarding the suspension order. — (FREEMAN)