The mayor of Caraga, Davao Oriental was found guilty of simple neglect of duty by the Office of the Ombudsman based on the the case filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for failure to comply with the President’s order to clear roads in her town from illegal structures and constructions.
DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said the decision of the Ombudsman against Caraga Mayor Alicia B. Mori is a proof that there is no room for negligent local officials to remain in public service especially at this time of the pandemic.
“Naway magsilbing babala ang desisyon ng Ombudsman sa iba pang lokal na opisyal na hindi sumusunod sa direktiba ng ating Pangulo (I hope that the decision of the Ombudsman serve as a warning to the other local officials who defy the President’s directive),’’ Año said.
Citing the decision dated March 10, 2021, of Ombudsman Samuel Martirez, Año said Mori was penalized off reprimand pursuant to Section 10 (b) of the Ombudsman Administrative Order No. 17, Series of 2003. The decision comes with a stern warning that a repetition of the same act shall be dealt with more severely.
DILG MC No. 2019-121 enjoins all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, punong barangays, and heads of local Sanggunians to exercise their powers to reclaim public roads from illegal structures and obstructions as directed by the President.
“All LGUs were assessed based on the following indicators: (a) enactment of an ordinance on the clearing of roads or banning of illegal obstructions; (b) conduct of inventory of roads; (c) conduct of road clearing operations to remove obstructions; (d) planning and implementation of displacement strategies for those affected; (e) rehabilitation of the declared roads, sidewalks and areas that were restored for public use; and (f) presence of a grievance and feedback mechanism regarding the clearing of road obstructions,’’ the DILG added. (Chito A. Chavez)