CEBU, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman-Central Office dismissed two cases filed by a family in Minglanilla against Mayor Rajiv Enad and members of the municipal council due to lack of jurisdiction.
Complainants Jyra and Jomarianne Lapitan filed separate complaints against Enad and the council members, alleging they had issued a Sangguniang Bayan Resolution vehemently opposing any clearance applications for quarrying, solid waste disposal permits, and other earthmoving activities by the Jomara Group of Companies.
The complainants argued that the inclusion of their names in the Resolution was unjust and a denial of their equal protection rights.
However, the anti-graft office emphasized that determining the legality of the resolution falls outside the Office of the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction.
A Notice was sent by the Ombudsman to the parties on October 3, 2024, regarding the “Evaluator’s Report” dated August 30, 2024, which dismissed the two cases filed by the complainants.
The Notices were signed by Acting Director Sarah Jo Vergara of the Office of the Ombudsman’s Central Records Management.
Jyra is running for councilor in the next elections.
Enad and his administration, in a statement, said that they are very thankful with the decision.
The mayor earlier stated that his administration will prioritize the safety and security of the residents above any business interest.
Earlier, Jyra and Jomarianne’s father, Josue, also filed a complaint against Enad before the Ombudsman alleging that the mayor “refused” to grant them permits.
But the mayor has denied this and showed documents that the municipal government issued the renewal of business permits last January. (FREEMAN)