3 months ago
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CEBU CITY — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the suspension of several officials and employees of the Mandaue City government after finding them administratively liable for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
In a decision dated Dec. 9, 2024, but obtained by The Manila Times on Monday, Feb. 10, the Ombudsman ruled that 26 individuals, including officers from the Housing and Urban Development Office, the Janitorial and Security Services Unit, and the City Assessor's Office, must serve a nine-month suspension without pay.
The complaint was filed by Maria Priscilla Melendres and Maritoni Melendres against Johnbee Biton, Julius Caesar Entise, Teodorico Montojo II, Pedrito Inalem, Cesar Ylanan, and others.
The Ombudsman, however, dismissed the charges of oppression, grave misconduct, violation of the 1987 Constitution, and violation of Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officers and Employees, citing a lack of substantial evidence.
Despite this, the Ombudsman still imposed the administrative penalty of suspension.
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"Wherefore, the office finds respondents... administratively liable for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. They are hereby meted the penalty of suspension of nine months from service, without pay," the decision said.
If an official has already resigned, retired, or separated from service, the Ombudsman will convert the penalty into a fine equivalent to six months' salary, which may be deducted from their retirement benefits or other receivables.
The Ombudsman directed Mandaue City Mayor Glenn Bercede to immediately implement the suspension order and submit a compliance report to the Ombudsman's Visayas office within five days.
The decision also stated that a motion for reconsideration or an appeal would not delay enforcement of the suspension order, citing Supreme Court rulings.
The Ombudsman warned that officials who fail or refuse to comply with the order without just cause could face disciplinary action.
