By Dominic B. dela Cruz
Staff reporter
Batac
City—Two barangay officials in this city
were ordered suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman for six months and one
day.
The officials were identified
as Brgy. Callaguip chairperson Lemwell L. Duldulao and barangay tanod Glenn S.
Jamias.
The suspension was handed
down after the Ombudsman found the two guilty of oppression.
The oppression charge as well
as grave abuse of authority and grave misconduct charges were filed by Melver
G. Tolentino.
In his complaint, Mr.
Tolentino alleged that the two respondents forcibly confiscated all the
billiard balls at Flaviano Place Kambingan as they reasoned that the place had
no permit to operate billiard table games. They added that the barangay office
had also received numerous complaints for disturbance and excessive noise
caused by the billiard hall.
In the decision, the Office
of the Ombudsman stated that while there is a violation on the part of the
complainant in operating a billiard table without permit, the manner of
respondents in enforcing the law by confiscating the billiard balls was done
whimsically.
Respondents should have
addressed the violation committed by the complainant by merely issuing a notice
of violation with a warning of facing possible charges, the decision added.
The Ombudsman however dismissed
the grave abuse of authority and grave misconduct charges.
Batac mayor surprised by suspension
Meanwhile, Batac mayor Jeffrey Jubal Nalupta said he was surprised
by the gravity of the suspension meted out by the Ombudsman for the two
barangay officials.
Mr. Nalupta disclosed that
Mr. Duldulao had not informed the city government or the city’s interior and
local government office about the case filed against them at the Ombudsman. As
a result, the respondents also did not seek assistance or advice from the city
government.
In view of this, the mayor
told all barangay officials here, especially chairpersons, to seek assistance
and advice from the city DILG office or the legal counsel of the city
government. He stressed that they should do so especially if it concerns laws
on their duties and powers.
A lesson for brgy officials
DILG regional director Julie
Daquioag personally delivered the suspension order of the Office of the
Ombudsman on November 7, 2014. The suspension of the two barangay officials
automatically started upon their receipt of the decision.
Ms. Daquioag said Mr.
Dudulao’s situation should serve as a lesson to all barangay officials not only
in Batac but in other cities and municipalities as well.
She added that the first
kagawad will assume the top barangay post in an acting capacity while Mr.
Duldulao serves his suspension.
Mr. Duldulao said what
happened is a big lesson for him as he vowed to be more aware of the rights of
his constituents.
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