Ombudsman suspends P’sinan town vice mayor, councilors

By Eva Visperas

BAYAMBANG, Pangasinan – The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the suspension of the vice mayor and five councilors of this town for simple misconduct.

Bayambang Vice Mayor MylvinJunio and Councilors Raul Sabangan, Alan de Vera, Gerardo Flores, Joseph Vincent Ramos and Levin Uy were suspended for three months without pay, a seven-page resolution signed by graft investigation and prosecution officer Allan John Atienza and approved by Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Gerard Mosquera stated.

“This decision is immediately executory and may not be interrupted by any motion, appeal or petition that may be filed by the respondents unless otherwise ordered by this office or by any court of competent jurisdiction,” the resolution stated.

Bayambang Mayor Ricardo Camacho filed a complaint for dishonesty against the respondents on May 21, 2015 for accusing him of purchasing a vehicle without public bidding and authority from the municipal council.

“Respondents could have conveniently inquired from the BAC (bids and awards committee) for the bidding documents… instead of hastily concluding that no public bidding was conducted...and initiating the instant complaint. As it turned out, there was publication and posting of the procurement of the motor vehicle,” the ombudsman resolution stated.

Uy said they would file a motion for reconsideration before the ombudsman tomorrow.