Ombudsman drops raps vs Lanao Sur gov, 3 others

MARAWI CITY — The Office of the Ombudsman dismissed early this week the administrative and criminal cases filed against Lanao del Sur Gov. Aleem Bashier Manalao and three other provincial officials.

Lawyer Baratucal Caudang, Manalao’s legal counsel, said he has in his possession the Ombudsman’s resolution dated March 13 and signed by Ombudsman Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez dismissing the six criminal and six administrative cases filed against Manalao, his chief of staff Macalangcom Caris and executive assistant Monina Manalo-Caris, and provincial treasurer Sambitory Pundugar.

"Wherefore, premises considered, all criminal and administrative charges versus the foregoing are hereby dismissed for lack of merit," Caudang quoted the Ombudsman’s resolution as stating.

The majority members of the Lanao del Sur provincial board filed the cases against Manalao last year, prompting the Ombudsman to place the governor under six-month preventive suspension last October while the charges against him were being investigated.

In a memorandum, Manalao informed the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and all provincial government offices that he would report for work this Monday.

Manalao’s suspension and a recall petition initiated by some municipal mayors have forced the suspension of provincial projects and programs.

This prompted Lanao del Sur Rep. Benasing Macarambon Jr. and other leaders to call for unity and a stop to the political bickerings.

But the camp of acting Gov. Monera Macabangon reportedly left for Manila last Friday to seek a temporary restraining order from the Ombudsman to stop Manalao from retaking his position.

However, Manalao’s lawyers quoted the Ombudsman’s resolution as stating that the decision clearing Manalao and the three other provincial officials was "final and unappealable."