Baguilat leads in Ifugao, gov falls

LAGAWE, Ifugao – Rep. Teodoro Baguilat Jr. was leading the polls in this province for the same position over his closest rival lawyer Solomon Chungalao at press time even as Gov. Eugene Balitang trailed behind his main rival Denis Habawel in vote count at press time.  

The Office of the Ombudsman recently found Baguilat “guilty of grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty and meted the penalty of dismissal together with accessory penalties” for not informing the provincial board of his trips abroad when he was governor among others.

The decision apparently didn’t affect Baguilat’s voting power as he was winning over his rival, former Rep. Solomon Chungalao with 12,111 votes as compared to the latter’s 10,005.

For provincial governor, Denis Habawel was running ahead of  incumbent Gov. Eugene Balitang with 10,409 as compared the latter’s 5,000. Gubernatorial candidates Jonathan Cuyahon got 4,791 while Robert Humiwat got 1,624.

For provincial vice governor Pedro Mayam-o got 10,077 to Clemente Bongtiwon’s 5,685 while Gina Lumauig got 4,731. (See other winning candidates in page 6 and 7.)

Baguilat had decried the Ombudsman’s decision and said his trips abroad had been in good faith.  

“In the event the penalty of dismissal can no longer be implemented due to retirement, resignation or separation from the service for any reason, the alternative penalty of fine equivalent to one year salary shall be imposed with the same penalties accessory to dismissal, said the order.

It was signed by graft investigation and prosecution officer IV M.A Christina O, Uy and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales dated Jan. 18, 2013.