Ombudsman orders dismissal of Palompom, Leyte mayor

CEBU, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of Palompon, Leyte Mayor Ramon Oñate, who is seeking reelection in the 2025 polls, and 10 others after being found guilty of grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.

The other individuals facing the penalty of dismissal from service are Sangguninang Bayan Members Margarito Bensig, Jr., Esperanza Sumalinog, Emmanuel Laurente, Consuelo Bonghanoy, Ranulfo Gaspan, Sr., Jonathan Yap, and Rene Camposano; drivers Alfredo Lubiano and Pablo Chavarria; and Local Legislative Staff Assistant Debbi Ann Dignos.

Along with the dismissal penalty is the cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification for reemployment in the government service.

The decision was approved on September 24, 2024 and endorsed to the Department of the Interior and Local Government on September 26, 2024.

A certain Ian Jay Arevalo filed a complaint against Oñate and 13 others for alleged grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.

Arevalo claimed that they abused their power and positions through the misappropriation of public funds, specifically by purchasing fuel, oil and lubricant for three vehicles that have been decommissioned and were in a state beyond repair.

According to the Ombudsman, the administrative complaint against former SB members Evana Kirstie Misagal and William Balasabas as well as driver Ranulfo Gaspan, Jr. is dismissed for lack of jurisdiction.

This decision plunged the municipality into an unprecedented executive and legislative crisis, as it not only affects the municipal mayor but also seven members of the Sangguniang Bayan.

Furthermore, this development casts doubt on Ramon Oñate’s recent decision to file his Certificate of Candidacy for mayor of the town on October 2, 2024. — (FREEMAN)