Gov't official sacked for refusing to enforce Ombudsman's order

MANILA, Philippines - An official of the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) has been ordered dismissed for refusing to implement orders of the Office of the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman found Medical Center Chief II Bernardino Vicente guilty of grave misconduct.

Records showed that in September 2008, the Ombudsman issued an order suspending NCMH Chief Administrative Officer Clarita Aguilar.

As head of the hospital, the Office directed Vicente to implement the preventive suspension order.

In August 2009, the Ombudsman denied Aguilar’s motion for reconsideration and Vicente was again directed to implement the order and submit proof of compliance.

In June 2010, the Office of Legal Affairs wrote Vicente informing him that the preventive suspension order is immediately executory and that failure to enforce the order is a ground for disciplinary action.

In September 2010, Aguilar was eventually found guilty of violating Section 8 of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. Aguilar was slapped with a year suspension without pay.

Aguilar’s appeal was denied in October 2010.

Vicente again failed to comply with the directive of implementation and compliance, allowing Aguilar to avail of housing privileges during the period of preventive suspension.

"The records show that respondent, despite the repeated directive from this Office, deliberately failed to implement the preventive suspension of Aguilar," the resolution said.

Aside from dismissal from the service, Vicente was meted out the accessory penalties of forfeiture of retirement benefits, cancellation of eligibility, and perpetual disqualification from reemployment in the government service.