Ombuds clears barangay councilman of grave misconduct

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas dismissed an administrative complaint against a barangay councilman in Guiwang, Alcoy after the complainant failed to establish that the alleged misconduct is in relation to the official function.

Graft investigation and prosecution officer Michael Mernado Jr. found no evidence to indict Joel Biojon of the complaint for grave misconduct.

“All in all, the allegations of the complainant fall short of the quantum of evidence required in an administrative case. Wherefore premises considered, let the above-docketed case, be, as it is hereby, dismissed,” the decision reads.

Barangay Captain Doris Comages alleged that while she was attending a social cultural affair on January 30, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. her attention was called by councilman Patricio Suerte about the alleged misbehavior of the respondent.

Biojon allegedly threatened to cut off the head of his fellow councilman. The complainant said she ordered Biojon to calm down but the latter ignored her.

Biojon instead ran outside the barangay hall half-naked and shouted defamatory words against her. Comages said she was embarrassed and humiliated by what her councilman was doing.

Biojon denied the complaint claiming he was at home sleeping when the alleged scandalous incident happened. According to the respondent, he only learned about it when Comages filed a complaint against him.

“It totally shocked me since I did nothing wrong on January 30, 2009. All I did was sleep after the drinking spree,” Biojon said.

The anti-graft body ruled there is no sufficient evidence to warrant the indictment of the respondent. He was however warned to be more careful in his actions.

“As a public officer, being a barangay council member, he should act beyond reproach at all times. He should act with professionalism in all his dealings, with justness and sincerity, must have commitment to public interest as enunciated under the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees,” the Ombudsman ruling stated.— (FREEMAN)