Surigao Norte mayor meted 1-month suspension

MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the one-month suspension of Mainit, Surigao del Norte Mayor Ramon Mondano after he was found guilty of simple neglect of duty.

In case the penalty of suspension can no longer be implemented due to separation from service, the penalty is convertible to a fine equivalent to the respondent’s one month salary.

On June 14, 2016, Mondano issued a special permit allowing the conduct of cockfighting activities in Purok Masaya, Barangay Matin-ao, from June 20- 22, 2016, to celebrate the barangay fiesta.

However, it was found out that no barangay clearance was issued for the cockfighting.

In its decision, the Ombudsman said “a clearance from the barangay, where the activity is to be conducted, is necessary before a city, or in this case, a municipality, can issue a permit for it. It was not shown that the leaders of Purok Masaya applied for a barangay clearance, hence, respondent Mondano should not have issued the Special Permit in their favor.”

“Although the issuance of special permits for special cockfighting activities is within his authority as municipal mayor, he is duty bound to require the presentation of the barangay clearance from Barangay Matin-ao before issuing a special permit to Purok Masaya. This he failed to do,” the Ombudsman added.

Simple neglect of duty is defined as “the failure of an employee or official to give proper attention to a task expected of him or her, signifying a disregard of a duty resulting from carelessness or indifference.” (Ombudsman-PR/PNA)

Popular

PBBM to soldiers: Serve the citizenry, protect the homeland

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet “Panata ito ng katapatan sa tungkulin at paninindigan para sa bayan.” At the oath-taking ceremony of 29 newly promoted generals and flag...

Gov’t assures prompt aid to Cebu quake victims

By Brian Campued Following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide immediate relief to families and individuals affected by the magnitude 6.9...

PBBM assures sustained gov’t support to calamity-hit Masbate

By Brian Campued President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday assured the public that the government will continue to provide various forms of assistance to...

ICI follows evidence, not manipulated for political gain —Palace told Escudero, VP Sara

By Brian Campued The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) remains “independent” and only follows evidence and is not controlled for political gain amid its probe...