SC junks petition of Cebu City ABC officials

CEBU — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to enforce its order suspending officials of the city’s Association of Barangay Captains (ABC).

This, after the Supreme Court junked the petition of the ABC officials seeking a reversal of the Ombudsman’s order.

"Under the circumstances, there are no more legal impediments to the implementation of the penalty of three months’ suspension without pay (for the) respondents in each of the two cases," the Ombudsman said.

Facing suspension are ABC president Eugenio Faelnar, vice president Sisinio Andales, secretary Fortunato Parawan, treasurer Daido Abcede Sr., and board members Michael Ocleasa Sr., Michael Ralota, Nemesio Pagador Jr., Licerio Jaca, Nilo Tariman and Jerry Guardo.

The Ombudsman earlier suspended them for administrative infraction for depriving then ABC project manager Leah Rondez of her terminal leave pay and other benefits amounting to P122,480.

The ABC officials also refused to pay Rondez P4,300 as reimbursement for her fuel expenses.

They elevated the matter to the Court of Appeals but their petition was junked due to a technicality. — Freeman News Service