By Edalyn B. Acta
The legal counsel of the 19 officials and employees of the Municipal Government of Sigma expressed optimism that the criminal and administrative complaints will be junked by the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.
“In my opinion, the complaints filed against my clients have no basis,” said Atty. Remia Fuentes-Bartolome.
Local government officials including Mayor Dante Rizal A. Eslabon and several members of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) were ordered by the Ombudsman to respond to the criminal complaint of Falsification of Public Documents and other administrative complaints filed by Proferio Javier Jr.
Also named as respondents are SB Members Christopher L. Alayon, Norman T. Marcelino, Rolly D. Miguel, Albert T. Santiago, Jose B. Bidiones Jr., Dan Justin T. Eslabon, Esperedion C. Pelaez, Thomas Lagulay; and ex officio Katherine Marie Q. Medroso of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK).
Along with SB Secretary Antonio V. Bidiones, they are accused administratively of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Other respondents are Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Agnes J. Francisco; Municipal Engineer John Lyndon J. Jarencio; Human Resource Officer Jose Vicente Bidiones IV; Rural Health Officer Dr. Maria Teresa G. Tan; Municipal Assessor Head Glezel J. Villa Rea; Acting Municipal Treasurer Tony R. Upod; Local Civil Registry Officer and New Business Permit Head Felmer Ponsaran; and Roxas City Accountant Teresita T. Bediones, who is the wife of SB Secretary Bidiones.
Meanwhile, Fuentes-Bartolome assured that all services by the Eslabon administration will continue and is not affected by the Ombudsman complaints.
