Barangay chief of Talima, Lapu-Lapu faces plaint

CEBU, Philippines - After allegedly refusing to issue a barangay clearance, the barangay captain of Talima, Lapu-Lapu City, is facing a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.

Talima Barangay Captain Virgilio Dano reportedly denied the request of a resident and a former candidate for barangay captain, Domingo Paquibot, for a barangay clearance in order for him to apply for a business permit for his “buy and sell for tropical fish” business.

Dano allegedly told Paquibot that his business was illegal.

 “That, in my fear of losing means of support to my children and wife, I went to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. The office-in-charge gave me a clearance so I could continue my livelihood and told me that it was not illegal,” the complaint read.

 Paquibot alleged that after Dano assumed office, he seemed “unjust” to them since they were having difficulties in securing clearance from the barangay.

 Paquibot ran in the 2013 Barangay Election for barangay chairman but lost.

 Aside from him, Paquibot alleged that his mother and sister also had difficulties securing a barangay clearance.

 He alleged that when they requested for a barangay clearance to secure a business permit for their computer shop in Sitio Candagsao, Talima, their request was also denied without just cause.

 Further, Paquibot alleged that while Dano was delivering an inspirational message during their fiesta celebration, Dano uttered words accusing “him of different unlawful transactions.”

 “He said that I paid radio commentators to talk against him on air. He also said that my livelihood is illegal and demonic and that I used cyanide to catch tropical fishes or even called me as bot-boton,” the complaint read, adding Dano committed grave slander and grave misconduct.

 Dano is set to answer the allegation filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman. (FREEMAN)