Ombudsman suspends 2 Batac brgy officials

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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