CEBU CITY – The Office of the Ombudsman has directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to immediately implement the collection of penalties from dismissed Palompon, Leyte Mayor Ramon Oñate.
The penalty is equivalent to Oñate’s salary for six months as mayor.
The Ombudsman order stemmed from the cases filed against Oñate for alleged violation of Republic Act (RA) 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, RA 7160 or the Local Government Code, and RA 9485 and RA 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery Act.
The cases against Oñate and Christopher Montebon, Municipal Planning and Development Officer, were filed by one Mesias Arevalo.
While the other cases were dismissed, the Ombudsman found substantial evidence that Oñate violated Section 21 of RA 11032, resulting in the imposition of a fine equivalent to six months of his salary.
The administrative case against Montebon was dismissed due to lack of substantial evidence.
The Ombudsman pointed out that its order to collect the penalty is immediately executory as filing of a motion for reconsideration or review of petition does not impede its decision.