Ombud clears Kalunasan officials from complaints

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has dismissed criminal and administrative complaints filed against the barangay captain of Barangay Kalunasan and five others for insufficient evidence.

In the evaluation report of the graft investigator of the cases filed against barangay captain Nunilon Monares Jr., councilmen Carlitos Ceniza, Marvin Leyson, Ledesma Tamayo, Nestor Gabunada and Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson Agnes Marie Monares, it recommended for the outright dismissal of the complaints due to the lack of evidence.

 Last September, Reil Tanudtanud, Jefferson Lapori, Christopher Timplado, Valentin Roca and James Roca filed a complaint against the barangay officials for alleged gross misconduct, conduct unbecoming, violation of Republic Act (RA) 6713 or code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and a violation of Section 3(a) and (e) of RA 3019 known as anti-graft and corrupt practices act. 

Mark Gil Dumaboc, media officer of barangay Kalunasan, told The FREEMAN that the dismissal of the complaint was approved by Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol last Sept. 25, 2013, nine days after the filing of complaint, but they just received it yesterday.

Dumaboc said the anti-graft office ruled that aside from the “self-serving complaint of the complainants,” they failed to present evidence that would support their allegations.

“Barangay captain Monares said the complaint filed against them was politically motivated,” Dumaboc said, adding that Nunilon planned to file counter-charges against the complainants.

The complainants alleged that the barangay council, which Monares heads as presiding officer, approved a resolution endorsing to the Cebu City Zoning and Planning Board the application of Monares and Sons Realty and Development, Inc.’s for preliminary approval of locational clearance and site development permit.

Based on tax payments records with the City Treasurer’s Office, Monares is the registered owner of Monares and Sons Realty and Development, Inc.

The company is reportedly developing Villa Monares Subdivision at Upper Kalunasan and would need the locational clearance and site development permit for the project.-(FREEMAN)