Ex-CITOM exec, enforcer cleared from graft charges

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has dismissed the criminal and administrative complaints filed by a lawyer against former City Traffic Operations and Management operations head Jonathan “Joy” Tumulak and a traffic enforcer for lack of merit.

Graft investigator Irish Inabangan Amores found no sufficient evidence to indict Tumulak and traffic enforcer Francis Pacifico of the complaint for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

 Lawyer Rene Abcede Jr. filed the complaint before the anti-graft office after his car was clamped while being parked on the sidewalk along Osmeña Boulevard on June 24, 2015. Abcede accused Tumulak and Pacifico of irregularity in clamping his vehicle claiming that he was being singled out.

Abcede said there were other cars parked along the sidewalk but only his vehicle was issued citation.

“The alleged irregularity in the clamping of complainant’s vehicle was not established. On the contrary, respondents were able to prove the regularity in apprehending complainant’s illegally parked vehicles,” the anti-graft body ruled.

 Pacifico said Abcede’s vehicle was parked unattended on the sidewalk in violation of City Ordinance 801. The lawyer was issued traffic citation ticket for his violation.

Pacifico denied Abcede’s vehicle was singled out. In fact, he said there were other vehicles in the area that were also clamped for the same violation.

The graft investigator gave credence to the traffic enforcer’s claim and dismissed the complaint. (FREEMAN)