Ombudsman clears Guardo of criminal complaint

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has dismissed a criminal complaint against Cebu City Councilor Jerry Guardo for lack of probable cause.

The anti-graft body found no sufficient evidence to hold Guardo for trial for alleged violation of Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 122 of Presidential Decree 1445.

The complaint was filed by Lou Pagaran Tila on March 18, 2015 when Guardo was still the barangay captain of Sambag I. It stemmed from the alleged anomalous procurement of dental chair by the barangay in 2013.

The complainant alleged that Guardo made an anomalous procurement and failed to submit an accounting before the Commission on Audit.

In his counter-affidavit, Guardo denied the allegation. He said there was nothing anomalous in the procurement because it was allowed under the rules. He said the money used for the procurement came as financial assistance from the city government.

Guardo added that the procurement was not found in the financial statement submitted by the barangay to COA because it is the duty of the city accountant to make the report as provided for under the Accounting System Manual for the Barangay.

Guardo said the decision of the Ombudsman proves that the complaint was nothing but pure harassment to put his name in the bad light.

"Klaro kaayo nga pagdaot ra gyud ni. I would like the public to know nga wala koy dautan gyud nga gihimo," Guardo said. (FREEMAN)