Surigao Norte mayor meted 1-month suspension

FILE: The Office of the Ombudsman. (Photo: Office of the Ombudsman Philippines/ Facebook)

MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the one-month suspension of Mainit, Surigao del Norte Mayor Ramon Mondano after he was found guilty of simple neglect of duty.

In case the penalty of suspension can no longer be implemented due to separation from service, the penalty is convertible to a fine equivalent to the respondent’s one month salary.

On June 14, 2016, Mondano issued a special permit allowing the conduct of cockfighting activities in Purok Masaya, Barangay Matin-ao, from June 20- 22, 2016, to celebrate the barangay fiesta.

However, it was found out that no barangay clearance was issued for the cockfighting.

In its decision, the Ombudsman said “a clearance from the barangay, where the activity is to be conducted, is necessary before a city, or in this case, a municipality, can issue a permit for it. It was not shown that the leaders of Purok Masaya applied for a barangay clearance, hence, respondent Mondano should not have issued the Special Permit in their favor.”

“Although the issuance of special permits for special cockfighting activities is within his authority as municipal mayor, he is duty bound to require the presentation of the barangay clearance from Barangay Matin-ao before issuing a special permit to Purok Masaya. This he failed to do,” the Ombudsman added.

Simple neglect of duty is defined as “the failure of an employee or official to give proper attention to a task expected of him or her, signifying a disregard of a duty resulting from carelessness or indifference.” (Ombudsman PR)