The Office of the Ombudsman Regional Office (Visayas) upheld an earlier decision of the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas directing the Mayor of Bacolod to implement the penalty of dismissal from service upon five current and former employees of the Bacolod City Government after finding them administratively guilty of dishonesty.

The administrative case was filed by the Commission on Audit Regional Office 6 against former city accountant Pioquito Quiñones, acting Management and Audit Service Office head Ricardo Dahildahil Jr., former executive assistant to the mayor Renato Rojo, City Accountant Eduardo Ravena, Office of the Treasurer clerk Lalaine Villalva, and crafts and trade helper Salvacion Ortega.

Assistant Ombudsman Virginia Palanca-Santiago, in her letter dated April 18, 2012, directed Mayor Evelio Leonardia to implement the order dated March 7, 2007 in the administrative case filed by COA VI against Pioquito Quiñones, et al.

In his order dated March 7, 2007, Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Mark Jalandoni, said there is no legal impediment to the implementation of penalty of dismissal from service with all the accessory penalties as provided by law on the respondents.

Ravena yesterday said the case involves a voucher for reimbursement which he had signed during the Valdez administration while Quiñones was out of the office. Out of the 10 vouchers, he was able to sign one regarding the Lakbay Kontra Droga program involving students which was supported by their attendance sheet, he said, adding that he did not know it was tampered.

City Legal Officer Joselito Bayatan said only Dahildahil, Ravena, Ortega and Villava are still employed with the city and they have filed a motion for reconsideration with the Office of the Ombudsman.

Bayatan said that, under the Rules of Procedures of Ombudsman Administrative Order No. 7, they cannot be dismissed yet since they are being given the opportunity to file for reconsideration.

Considering that the charges against them constitute a grave offense, they are still given an opportunity under the Rules to file their motions for reconsideration, he said.

In the event that their motion is denied, the decision of dismissal can be implemented despite an appeal with the Court of Appeals, Bayatan said.

Once their motion is denied by the Ombudsman, the mayor has no choice but to follow the directive of the Order, he said.*CGS

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