Ombudsman indicts CDO mayor for demoting staff

CAGAYAN De Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano was indicted by the Ombudsman for demoting a staff and refusing to implement an order by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

The Ombudsman found probable cause to charge Emano for his willful refusal to implement the final and executory decision of the CSC in violation of Section 67, Book V of Executive Order 292 (Revised Administrative Code of 1987).

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Administrative Assistant III Leonor Esparcia who was demoted as city library guard.

Esparcia complained to the CSC about the diminution of her rank, and the CSC decided in favor of Esparcia and ordered to return her to her position.

Mayor Emano failed to file an appeal, thus rendering the CSC ruling final and executory.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said there is ground “to hold respondent criminally liable under Section 67, Book V of E.O. 292 that imputes criminal liability against any person who violates or refuses to comply with its provisions and implementing rules.”

“As respondent willfully refused to implement it, perforce, the penal clause of E.O. 292 applies,” the Ombudsman said.