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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2328721/baco-oriental-mindoro-mayor-dismissed-from-office |
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Oriental Mindoro served the dismissal order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman against Baco, Oriental Mindoro Mayor Allan Roldan at around 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22.
With the order served, Vice Mayor Eric Castillo has automatically assumed the position as the new municipal mayor.
DILG Oriental Mindoro Provincial Director Erick Gumabol personally served the order at Roldan’s office at the municipal hall. Roldan peacefully accepted the order and stepped down from his post.
The Ombudsman found sufficient evidence to hold Roldan liable for grave misconduct.
In a decision issued March 6, 2026, investigators found that the mayor had conflict of interest over several infrastructure projects in the municipality, including the construction of the municipal security entrance gate, completion of the multipurpose building facade, improvements to the Rural Health Unit building, and construction of the public market in Barangay Poblacion.
Following a complaint filed by the Commission on Audit (COA) Regional Office IV-B, investigators discovered that heavy equipment used in three municipal projects was rented by contractor MIDR Construction from DelRoI Enterprises — a business owned by Roldan himself.
The probe also uncovered irregularities in project timelines: geotagged photos and social media posts showed that some projects were already underway before public bidding and contract award were officially conducted.
Roldan denied any wrongdoing, claiming the municipal government had followed procurement laws. However, the Ombudsman ruled that he had intentionally violated the law, which prohibits public officials from entering into business transactions with the government unit where they hold authority.Aside from dismissal from service, Roldan’s penalties include cancellation of civil service eligibility, permanent disqualification from holding any public office, being barred from taking civil service examinations, and forfeiture of retirement benefits.
Baco, Oriental Mindoro Mayor Allan Roldan has been suspended from office because of grave misconduct.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2328026/coa-notes-p242-m-idled-equipment-for-still-unfinished-govt-hospitals |
The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged P242.358 million worth of idle medical equipment in 2025 mainly because recipient government hospitals and health centers were not operationally ready yet.
The agency observed the deficiencies yet again in the implementation of the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), one of the banner programs of the Department of Health, in its 2025 annual audit report.
The program provides funding assistance for the infrastructure and equipment of government health facilities, including barangay health stations, rural health units, district and provincial hospitals, and specialty centers.
The COA noted that medical equipment worth P69.818 million was undelivered to the Center for Health Development (CHD) in Western Visayas due to “ongoing procurement processes, deferred fund releases, or project modifications.”
It also found that P172.54 million worth of equipment for several other medical facilities remained unused.
Of this, P58.067-million idle equipment was traced to the Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital in Bauko, Mountain Province, due to “pending operational readiness of facilities.”
Meanwhile, at Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, equipment worth P32.524 million was unused because this was procured ahead of a medical facility’s completion, according to the COA.
State auditors also found that P26.699-million equipment was unused at the CHD in Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City) due to “prolonged delays in the operation of [super health centers].”P25.998-million idle equipment was also traced to Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center in Tagbilaran City, Bohol province, due to a “pending application” with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The COA also identified unused equipment in CHDs in Ilocos Region (P16.895 million); Caraga Administrative Region (P10.792 million) and Cordillera Administrative Region (P1.564 million).
The COA recommended that the DOH ensure the readiness of facilities before procuring equipment and require CHDs to submit proof of installation, commissioning and initial use of supplies within 30 days of delivery.
The DOH has yet to respond to the Inquirer’s request for comment as of press time.
In the COA report, the DOH explained that it had issued two administrative orders establishing “stricter” guidelines on the preparation and implementation of HFEP projects.
The COA also said that “while the audit findings highlight critical implementation bottlenecks, it is essential to consider the complex, decentralized landscape in which the HFEP operates.”
It noted that the “observed delays do not signify a failure of intent, but rather reflect external systemic dependencies,” including the need for multiagency regulatory approvals and local infrastructure readiness.
“Rather than indicating an unattainable goal, these deficiencies pinpoint specific operational areas where interagency coordination can be tightened,” it said.
At the House plenary debates on the DOH’s proposed P253-billion budget for 2026 in October last year, Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno questioned why only 200 out of the 600 health centers built under HFEP were functional.
The budget sponsor, Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia, explained that several health centers were not functioning “because of the lack of personnel and healthcare professionals who could run them.”
To address gaps, the DOH said last year it had launched a “catch-up plan” in the second half of 2025 by revising HFEP guidelines to expand implementation modes, and opening 55 Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service centers nationwide to temporarily provide primary care while idle facilities await personnel.
In a 2017 performance audit, the COA flagged deficiencies in HFEP implementation, including problems with procurement of equipment not aligned with the actual needs; undistributed equipment at DOH regional offices; and the construction of health stations on ineligible and nonworkable project sites.
The Philippine Institute for Development Studies, in a 2025 study, also found inequities in the HFEP’s grant distribution, with some local government units receiving funds despite not being among those most in need.
The Commission on Audit has flagged P242.358 million worth of idle medical equipment in 2025 mainly because recipient government hospitals and health centers were not operationally ready yet.
The Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday ordered the preventive suspension of Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary for E-Government David L. Almirol Jr. for alleged conflict of interest involving PHP1.55-billion government contracts.
In a seven-page order, the Office of the Ombudsman found sufficient grounds to place Almirol under preventive suspension for six months without pay pending the resolution of administrative complaints of grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and violation of Republic Act (RA) 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
The complaints stemmed from a report by the DICT Internal Audit Unit in June 2025 that flagged a possible conflict of interest involving the hiring of former Multisys personnel and the award of contracts to other related companies.
The Ombudsman found strong evidence supporting the administrative charges against Almirol.
It also said Almirol’s continued stay in office could prejudice the investigation, particularly given his control and custody of documents and evidence relevant to the case.
The order is immediately executory, and the suspension shall remain in effect until the termination of the administrative adjudication.
Almirol founded Multisys Technologies Corporation (Multisys) in 2010 and served as president and chief executive officer for more than a decade, following his appointment as DICT Undersecretary for E-Government in August 2022.
Almirol would later lead the development and rollout of the eGovPH Super App.
Further investigation of the Office of the Ombudsman revealed that at least eight DICT contracts were awarded to companies with financial relationships with Multisys.
From November 2023 to May 2025, the DICT awarded eight eGov-related contracts to several related companies “totaling to about PHP1.55 billion”.
These contracts covered information and communications technology consultancy, e-government application deployment, web-based messaging services, cloud infrastructure, data center colocation and software subscriptions.
Multisys' audited financial statements report revenue from the other companies “for managed services of PHP110.8 million in 2023 and PHP514.6 million in 2024”.
Records also showed that Almirol did not divest immediately after his appointment in the DICT.
“Multisys' General Information Sheet (GIS) notarized on 27 October 2022 and received by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on 2 November 2022 showed that respondent was still listed as a stockholder of Multisys holding 49.21 percent of the stocks,” the order noted.
This was beyond the 60-day period from his assumption of office within which he was required to divest his business interests under Section 9 of RA 6713.
Almirol was removed from the list of Multisys stockholders only in a subsequent GIS notarized on Nov. 18, 2022 and received by the SEC three days later.
Department of Information and Communications Technology Undersecretary for E-Government David L. Almirol Jr. has been suspended for alleged conflict of interest involving PHP1.55-billion government contracts.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2327998/p397-m-duplicate-payments-found-in-dswd-ayuda-scheme |
The Commission on Audit (COA) said it found P397.45 million worth of “duplicate, multiple and overlapping” payments to beneficiaries of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In its 2025 annual audit report, the COA noted that some beneficiaries of the AICS program were granted multiple assistance that violated the allowable frequency of payments, while others were able to avail of similar benefits under both the AICS and Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap).
The COA said these issues were caused by “deficiencies in data integrity, beneficiary validation and assessment processes, deduplication measures, and accountability controls, thereby increasing the risk of improper payment of financial assistance.”
The multiple and overlapping payments were traced to the DSWD’s central office as well as its field offices in the National Capital Region (NCR), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Davao region.
According to the report, there were P31.357 million worth of duplicate or multiple payments in the AICS program.
Of that amount, P18.158 million were from the DSWD field office in Cagayan Valley, which was due to “duplicate and multiple payments” to 5,560 AICS beneficiaries as well as “overpayments” of assistance to 393,544 beneficiaries.
The COA also flagged overlapping claims of AICS and Akap benefits involving P366.096 million worth of payments.
In the DSWD’s NCR office alone, the state auditor noted that there were 46,633 people who received financial assistance from both programs within the same three-month period, with disbursements amounting to P337.968 million.According to the COA, such deficiencies allow beneficiaries to “receive duplicate or inappropriate aid within a limited period, compromising fair resources distribution, reducing operational efficiency and accountability, and heightening the risk of unnoticed duplicate disbursements.”
As part of its recommendations, the state auditor urged the agency to ensure the “diligent” screening, validation, and assessment of its beneficiaries, while also monitoring those who avail of multiple benefits.
Asked to comment on the report, DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao clarified in a Viber message to the Inquirer that beneficiaries may avail of multiple assistance or receive payments from both AICS and Akap “as long as they cover distinct needs.”
She noted, for example, that a beneficiary may receive medical assistance under AICS combined with food assistance from Akap. Should his or her family member pass away, the beneficiary may even qualify for burial assistance.
“DSWD clarifies that no government funds were wasted and that the observations raised by COA stem primarily from a difference in the interpretation of program guidelines, as well as administrative encoding variations during emergency aid distributions,” Dumlao said.
The Commission on Audit said it found P397.45 million worth of “duplicate, multiple and overlapping” payments to beneficiaries of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The city treasurer of Dagupan in Pangasinan has been dismissed from her post in connection with the non-delivery of two motorized boats procured by the city government.Romelita Alcantara was found liable for grave misconduct for releasing P999,750 in public funds as payment for the undelivered boats, according to the Office of the Ombudsman.Aside from dismissal, the ombudsman canceled the civil service eligibility of Alcantara, forfeited her retirement benefits, disqualified her from holding public office and barred her from taking civil service examinations.
The city treasurer of Dagupan Romelita Alcantara has been dismissed for grave misconduct.
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| https://www.philstar.com/nation/2026/10/23/2565136/2-pcg-men-killed-cotabato-ambush |
Two personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were killed while their superior survived following an ambush by unidentified men in this city yesterday afternoon.
Reniel Agpalo and Louther Vitor were declared dead on arrival at the Cotabato Regional Medical Center due to multiple gunshot wounds.
The PCG said one of the fatalities holds the rank of seaman second class while the other was an apprentice seaman.
Their superior, Lt. Cmdr. John Paul Cabarrubias, was not harmed in the attack, which occurred near a station of the PCG.
Reports showed the PCG men were in a Toyota Innova on their way to the station when unidentified armed men waylaid them along Roman Vilo street.
The attack sparked a commotion, which provided the assailants a chance to escape.
After the incident, Cabarrubias went to the Cotabato City police station to assist in the investigation.
Two personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard have been assassinated.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2328755/govt-worker-sued-over-p19000-cash-advance |
The Office of the Ombudsman has called on government officials to properly liquidate any cash advance as failure to do so constitutes a violation of the Revised Penal Code.
It issued the reminder following the filing of a case against an employee of the Bogo Water District in Cebu accused of failing to liquidate a cash advance of P19,822.50.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Ombudsman said the case stemmed from a complaint filed by Bogo Water District General Manager Jose Brainard Mayol against the section head designate of the human resources management office, Kenneth Robert Obial Metante.
Mayol filed the complaint after the Commission on Audit (COA) issued an audit observation memorandum flagging more than P2.7 million worth of cash advances that were granted to water district employees which remain unliquidated as of the end of 2023.
Part of the cash advances were received by Metante in 2022 for a tree-planting activity, the Ombudsman noted.
In his complaint, Mayol alleged that Metante failed to properly account for and liquidate the funds.
The Ombudsman said it found “sufficient evidence” against Metante “for failure to render accounts,” noting that the cash advance also lacked a request for quotation.
It noted that Metante failed to show proof of liquidation although three years had passed since.
Citing COA Circular No. 2012-004, the Ombudsman stressed that “cash advances for field operating expenses, including expenditures for special projects such as tree-planting activities, are subject to liquidation requirements.”
Aside from Metante, Mayol had also filed a complaint against the former general manager of the Bogo Water District, Houdini Ancajas Jumao-as, who received a cash advance of over P222,000 for an overseas trip for training.
However, the Ombudsman said it dismissed the complaint against Jumao-as due to “insufficient evidence,” after the former general manager presented audit reports supporting his compliance with liquidation requirements.
“[G]overnment officials and employees entrusted with public funds are responsible for ensuring that cash advances are properly documented, accounted for, and liquidated within the prescribed period,” the Ombudsman said.
It also urged government agencies to “regularly monitor outstanding cash advances and ensure compliance with COA rules to avoid audit findings and possible administrative or criminal liability.”
“[F]ailure by an accountable officer to render accounts under circumstances covered by Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code may give rise to criminal liability,” it added.
A Bogo Water District employee in Cebu, Kenneth Robert Obial Metante, is being charged by the Ombudsman with failure to liquidate a ₱19,822.50 cash advance under Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code.
A policeman who went absent without leave, previously flagged for illegal drug use, was arrested along with a civilian in a buy-bust operation here yesterday afternoon.In an emailed advisory, the Police Regional Office-10 (PRO-10) said the police corporal, categorized as a high-value target, was apprehended at 3:19 p.m. on October 22, inside an NHA housing site in Barangay Kauswagan.
Anti-narcotics operatives seized 0.64 grams of suspected shabu (crystal meth) valued at P4,352.Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr., PRO-10 director, said the corporal’s arrest underscores the regional command’s aggressive internal cleansing and integrity monitoring efforts.
“No one is above the law, and the uniform is never a shield against wrongdoing or accountability,” said Babagay in a statement.
The erring officer had been reassigned to the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Section on October 2 after testing positive for shabu and marijuana during a random drug screening on September 21.
Before the drug bust, Maj. Joann Navarro, PRO-10 spokesperson, told the Inquirer Friday that the officer was already facing a pre-charge investigation for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
He is also facing a separate administrative case for grave neglect of duty due to his prolonged, unauthorized absence.“We will never tolerate wrongdoing within [our] ranks.
He will be held accountable for his actions and face the appropriate administrative and criminal proceedings in accordance with the law,” Navarro said.
An AWOL cop has been busted for drugs.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2329509/soldier-linked-to-killing-of-cotabato-village-execs-surrenders |
The Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) facilitated on Saturday, Oct. 24, the surrender of a soldier suspected of killing two village officials in Kabacan, Cotabato, on Oct. 21, the military said.
Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, the newly installed 6ID commander, identified the suspect as Cpl. Virgilio D. Magbiray Jr., who is assigned to the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion.
Police identified Magbiray as the primary suspect in the killing of brothers Patacpan Maganaka, village councilor, and Ibrahim Maganaka, village bookkeeper in Barangay Lower Paatan, Kabacan.
Maj. Greg Palalay, deputy police chief of Kabacan, said the brothers were managing a village disco event when a commotion broke out at around 1 a.m. on Oct. 21.
The incident reportedly stemmed from the alleged stoning of the dance floor. The brothers intervened, but an altercation allegedly ensued between them and Magbiray, who reportedly shot the victims with a 9mm pistol.
Following the surrender, Lt. Col. Loqui O. Marco, commanding officer of the 90th Infantry Battalion, presented Magbiray to Brig. Gen. Gremel B. Brual, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade.
Catu then directed the soldier’s turnover to the Kabacan Municipal Police Station for appropriate legal proceedings.
“The law applies equally to everyone, regardless of rank or position, and anyone found guilty of violating the law must be held accountable in accordance with due process,” Catu said.
He added that the 6ID remains committed to upholding the rule of law, ensuring accountability, and respecting the constitutional rights of every individual.
Magbiray also surrendered the firearm allegedly used. He is now under police custody pending appropriate legal proceedings.
A soldier suspected of killing two village officials has been arrested.
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| https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/10/25/2565627/ombudsman-charges-6-dpwh-personnel-7-others-over-alleged-gensan-right-way-scam |
The Office of the Ombudsman has filed malversation and graft charges before the Sandiganbayan against six Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region XII personnel over their alleged involvement in a P491.9-million road right-of-way scam in General Santos City.
In a statement on Sunday, October 25, the Ombudsman said that it found prima facie evidence, with reasonable certainty of conviction, against former DPWH Region XII Regional Director Subair Saro Diron, former Assistant Regional Director Laureano Suan Jr. and four other DPWH employees.
According to the Ombudsman, the four other employees are the following:
- Tomas Rodriguez
- David Padlan
- Paisal Padate
- Ansare Busran
Seven private individuals implicated in the fraudulent scheme were also indicted.
The anti-graft agency filed 18 counts of Malversation of Public Funds or Property through Falsification of Public Documents under Article 217 in relation to Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code, along with 18 counts of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
According to a 2017 affidavit executed by whistleblower Roberto Catapang Jr., a syndicate colluded with public officials to obtain government funds for land acquisitions by fabricating and submitting falsified land documents.
Following approvals by the DPWH Region XII technical working group, the government disbursed a total of P491,931,120.20 to claimants who were later found to have submitted fraudulent ownership claims.
Investigators from the National Bureau of Investigation also found that the respondents unlawfully applied a 2009 property appraisal rate of P3,500 per square meter to calculate compensation for land expropriated by the government in the early 1990s, resulting in heavily inflated right-of-way claims.
In a related administrative ruling, the Ombudsman ordered the immediate dismissal of former DPWH Region XII Legal Officer Ansare Mariga Busran from military or government service, with accessory penalties including the forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
The Ombudsman filed graft and malversation charges against six DPWH-12 personnel over a P491.9-million General Santos road scam.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/10/26/pasig-police-condemn-own-officer-over-gun-threat |
The Pasig City Police condemned one of its personnel after he was arrested for allegedly pointing a firearm at a woman and her family inside their vehicle at a gasoline station in Barangay Pinagbuhatan on Sunday night, Oct. 25, and vowed to pursue criminal and administrative charges against him.
The Pasig City Police said criminal and administrative charges would be filed against the arrested officer, who is now in the station’s custody.
Initial investigation showed that the police personnel allegedly approached the complainant and her family while they were inside their vehicle at a gasoline station along Sandoval Road and pointed a firearm in their direction.
The woman recorded the incident on her mobile phone and reported it to the Pinagbuhatan Police Sub-Station. After reviewing the video, police identified the suspect as a member of the Philippine National Police and launched follow-up operations that led to his arrest and the recovery of the firearm allegedly used in the incident.
The Pasig City Police Station said it strongly condemned the act, saying that police officers are expected to uphold the law, exercise restraint and observe discipline, professionalism and accountability.
“Misconduct and abuse and misuse of authority are never tolerated in the organization,” the statement read.
Police said the case would be handled in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations, including administrative procedures, without prejudging the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
The station also urged the public to report crimes involving anyone, including police personnel, assuring residents that its officers would respond to complaints.
The incident is under investigation, with the arrested officer facing criminal and administrative proceedings.
A cop has been arrested for pointing a firearm at a woman and her family inside their vehicle at a gasoline station.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2330781/barangay-councilor-nabbed-after-shabu-found-at-leyte-checkpoint |
Police arrested a 59-year-old barangay councilor from Barugo, Leyte, after officers discovered two sachets of suspected “shabu” (crystal meth) during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Cayare, San Miguel, Leyte, on Monday.
Police stopped the suspect, identified only by the alias “Aldo,” for allegedly riding a motorcycle without a helmet, according to the San Miguel Municipal Police Station.
Police said the suspected illegal drugs fell to the ground when the councilor presented his driver’s license, prompting officers to notice and recover the sachets.
The two sachets contained an estimated 0.48 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P3,264 based on the Dangerous Drugs Board’s valuation.
Authorities said the suspect was among the newly identified individuals allegedly involved in illegal drug activities.
The suspect and the seized evidence were brought to the San Miguel police station for documentation and the filing of charges for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The operation was part of the Police Regional Office 8’s intensified anti-illegal drugs campaign under its regional director, Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño.
Cardiño commended the operating personnel for their vigilance and emphasized the role of checkpoints in detecting illegal activities and maintaining public safety.
“We will continue conducting proactive police operations and hold those who violate the law accountable, regardless of their position in the community,” Cardiño said.
He also urged the public to respect the law and cooperate with authorities, particularly during checkpoint operations, to help maintain peace and order throughout Eastern Visayas.
A barangay councilor has been arrested on drug charges.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/10/28/cebu-city-mayor-fined-over-night-market-operation |
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Dionson Archival Sr. was sanctioned by the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged irregularities in the operation of the Colon Street Night Market last year.
The administrative case was for simple neglect of duty and the Ombudsman ordered Archival to pay a fine equivalent to his one month’s basic salary as the city mayor for failing to exercise due diligence in ensuring compliance with the requirements governing the operation of the night market.
The 21-page decision also carried a stern warning that a repetition of the same omission would be dealt with more severely.
Bu the same decision dismissed the charges of Grave Misconduct and Gross Neglect of Duty, saying the pieces of evidence presented are insufficient to determine unlawful conduct, recklessness, or a willful and flagrant refusal to perform official responsibilities.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Pastor Jun Alcover Jr. said that the operation of the might market was allowed to operate under a special permit issued by the Cebu City Government to a private organizer.
The complaint alleged that the private organizer was authorized to screen vendors, determine stall rental rates, collect fees, and retain the proceeds from the night market.
Alcover further alleged that while the special permit covered only approximately 100 vendors, more than 600 sellers were allowed to participate in the night market which allegedly continued its operations beyond the validity of the permit.
In its findings, the Ombudsman noted that Colon Street is a national road, which makes coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) necessary before allowing the night market to operate.
The decision particularly cited the failure to coordinate with the DPWH and the issuance of permits retroactively for the night market operation, "His failure to address the noted operational requirements is a reflection of carelessness and lack of due diligence in relation to the performance of his official duties.”
The Ombudsman emphasized that Archival, as local chief executive, was responsible for ensuring that the night market complied with applicable laws and operational requirements.
"It has long been settled that public office is a public trust demanding general accountability. Being the Local Chief Executive of Cebu City, respondent has the expressed duty to enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the governance of the city," the decision stated.
“While it may be argued that (he) relied in good faith upon his subordinates… he remains ultimately responsible in ensuring compliance with statutory obligations,” the ruling added.
Last year’s Colon Street Night Market operations landed Cebu City Mayor Nestor Dionson Archival Sr. in hot water with the Office of the Ombudsman, which imposed sanctions over alleged irregularities.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2332137/2-army-soldiers-arrested-over-north-cotabato-shooting |
Two Philippine Army soldiers were arrested after allegedly shooting a 23-year-old man traveling from Davao City to Cotabato City in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, before dawn Thursday, police said.The suspects, both members of the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion and residents of Midsayap, North Cotabato, were arrested following a pursuit operation shortly after the incident at around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday.
According to a police report, the victim, identified only as alias Dats, 23, of Cotabato City, flagged down a police team conducting a mobile checkpoint in Barangay South Manuangan after he was shot.
Initial investigation showed that Dats was driving his gray Yamaha NMAX motorcycle toward Cotabato City when he was allegedly chased and shot by the two soldiers.He sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm, with the bullet exiting through his back.Police relayed the incident to local authorities and initiated a lockdown across the municipality’s barangays.
Police launched a pursuit operation that led to the interception and arrest of the suspects in Barangay Presbitero, Pigcawayan, as they sped toward Midsayap.Authorities recovered two loaded .45-caliber pistols from the suspects. One was an M1911A1 pistol with seven rounds of ammunition, while the other was a Colt MK IV Series 80 pistol with eight rounds.Police also seized a red-and-black Honda RS150 motorcycle and three cellphones.The spot report said the suspects failed to present legal documents or licenses authorizing them to possess the firearms. Dats also positively identified them as the men who allegedly shot him.Dats is being treated at Pesante Hospital in Libungan, Cotabato, while the two suspects remain detained at the Pigcawayan Municipal Police Station custodial facility pending the filing of appropriate charges.Police are still investigating the motive for the shooting.
Two soldiers have been arrested for shooting a man.
