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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ombudsman orders one-year suspension without pay of Nueva Ecija Gov Umali

Ombudsman orders one-year suspension without pay of Nueva Ecija Gov Umali

Published Aug 16, 2025 03:42 pm
The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) has suspended Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio M. Umali for one year without pay after he was found guilty of administrative complaints on irregular issuance of quarry permits without the required Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
Umali was found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and simple misconduct in the issuance of the quarry permits from 2014 to 2016.
In its decision, the OMB said Umali’s one-year suspension without pay is in line with Section 25(2) of Republic Act 6770, the OMB Act of 1989, and Section 10(b), Rule III of Administrative Order No. 7 on the Rules of Procedure of the OMB.
The complaints against former Nueva Ecija governor Czarina D. Umali, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Wilfredo M. Pangilinan, and Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Directors Danilo U. Uykieng, Lope O. Carino Jr., Samuel T. Paragas, and Alilo C. Ensomo Jr. were ordered dismissed.
The administrative charges were filed by Roberto M. Duldulao who said that 205 Commercial Sand and Gravel Permits (CSGPs) were issued to unqualified groups without the required ECC from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB).
The complaints also stated that the provincial government of Nueva Ecija was also remiss in remitting the shares of the taxes to the local government units (LGUs).
While Gov. Aurelio Umali’s act of issuing the CSGPs from 2014 to 2016 was neither motivated by a premeditated, obstinate, or intentional purpose, his acts still sufficiently constitute the offenses of Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service and Simple Misconduct, the OMB said.
"He was remiss in his duty to ensure the enforcement and compliance with all laws, rules, and regulations within his jurisdiction," it also said.
The OMB’s decision was signed by Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer III Leilani P. Tagulao-Marquez and recommended for approval by Assistant Ombudsman Pilarita T. Lapitan. It was approved by then Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires through Deputy Ombudsman Dante F. Vargas.
The Manila Bulletin was trying to reach the office of Umali for a reaction as of this posting.
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