Ombuds exonerates 2 Badian barangay officials

CEBU, Philippines – Citing lack of evidence, the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas dismissed the criminal and administrative complaints against two barangay officials of Badian who were accused of hiring ghost laborers for the barangay’s clean and green project.

Graft investigation and prosecution officer Maria Bernadeth Andal-Subaan found no sufficient evidence to hold Barangay Captain Francisco Antecristo and treasurer Dioscora Gonzales liable for misconduct and falsification of public documents.

The two officials of Barangay Manduyong, Badian were accused by Santiago Alquisola of conspiring to employ a certain Edwin Egonio as job order worker.

Alquisola said Egonio denied being employed in the barangay nor having signed the payroll and received salary. However, the anti-graft body said that the complainant failed to present evidence to prove that the respondents took advantage of their position and falsified documents.

“There is simply no substantial evidence showing that respondents, in making their respective certifications, tarnished the image and integrity of their public office,” the resolution read.

The graft investigator said there was doubt on the veracity of the complaint because the complainant himself denied filing the case.

“While these are trivial details, a doubt is created on the veracity of the initial complaint. Thus, it is not prudent to consider the same as basis for the indictment of respondents for the crime charged,” the resolution added. —/FPL (FREEMAN)