Ben Contreras THERE was a time when by mere mention of “ipa-ombudsman,” government employees or officials would already cringe in fear of what was to come. But that has been shattered in the Ajinomoto case against Mayor Oscar S. Moreno. Perhaps, it was the brilliance of Atty. Dale Byan Mordeno, or the influence of alleged huge money. It could even be the perceived half-hearted implementation of orders by the DILG office here. Whatever, Moreno seems to have overcome the hurdles of the Ombudsman twice for different reasons and in different period. The Ombudsman is “principally tasked to investigate on its own or upon complaint by any person, in any form or manner, any act or omission by any public officer or employee, including those in government-owned or controlled corporations which appear to be illegal, unjust, improper and inefficient.” Having been found guilty of the complaint filed by William Guialani against the mayor, the Ombudsman ordered the dismissal of Moreno from office and barred him perpetually from holding any government position. Moreno fired back for not giving him due process. He filed a Motion for Reconsideration but was denied. If that was not due process, I don’t what is. But still, Moreno was able to cling to power and successfully tasted vengeance against his nemesis Guialani. Lately, the Ombudsman has brought the case to the Sandiganbayan, citing violation of RA 3019 Sections 3 (e) and (g).The Sandiganbayan is a special court that “shall have jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases involving graft and corrupt practices and such other offenses committed by public officer or employee.” Would the Sandiganbayan rule differently? If so, would Moreno again complain about not being given due process? Such a turbulent life, I am sure, is unexpected but certainly self-inflicted. How long the Sandiganbayan would come out with its decision, the waiting can be agonizing like the sword of Damocles hanging above one’s head.
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I was informed that more than 100 wayward policemen from Luzon who were suspected of being involved in drugs have been reassigned to Mindanao instead of being dismissed or charged. These people can be viruses to the good crop of police here because they’re already experts in anomalies. Police Director General Bato de la Rosa should reconsider his decision. I see the point here. Mindanao has long complained of being a garbage dump for errant men in uniform. If anyone has erred, punishment should be served in the place where thy are assigned. A mere transfer is like treating sinners with kid’s gloves.
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Before the State of the Nation Address, someone called up to say that in President Duterte’s first Sona, a government official in Cagayan de Oro would be among the names to be divulged. He gave me a name. But since it did not turn out accurate, it means this guy does not have access to vital information from the inner circle.