Two Poro officials suspended for dishonesty

TWO local government officials were meted an eight-month suspension without pay for falsifying a public document.

The Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas found sufficient basis against barangay captain William Surbano and secretary Consolacion Oteda, both of barangay Altavista, Poro town of Camotes Islands.

They were found guilty of less serious dishonesty for stating erroneous statements in the Certification to File Action dated May 29, 2008.

The issue stemmed from the complaint of Agnilo Fabroa who engaged in a confrontation with a certain Nelia Pilay.

A conciliation proceeding was conducted but the parties allegedly did not come to a settlement.

Fabroa said that Pilay did not file with the barangay a complaint against him.

But in the Certification to File Action issued by the respondents, it showed that a complaint can be filed before the court or government office against Fabroa.

Fabroa said respondents had an axe to grind against him since they knew that he did not vote for Surbano during the barangay elections. Reporter ADOR VINCENT S. MAYOL