Camiguin businessman faces perjury for claims about provincial ordinance
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — A Camiguin businessman is facing a perjury complaint for claiming, under oath, that a provincial ordinance instituting what is now the Smart Tourism system, did not undergo publication as required by law.
Shipping operator Paul Rodriguez, who is seeking Camiguin’s lone seat in the House of Representatives in the 2025 midterm polls, had sought a stop to the implementation of the Smart Tourism ordinance as it supposedly impinges on the rights of the local folk.
In July last year, Rodriguez petitioned Regional Trial Court Branch 28 in Mambajao, Camiguin, to nullify the said ordinance.
The ordinance, implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, introduced a QR code system to track visitors. Despite easing pandemic restrictions, the ordinance remained in effect, prompting concerns about its necessity and legality.
Among others, Rodriguez argued that the ordinance violated the Local Government Code as it was not properly published, a requirement for its enforcement. Acting on this claim, the court issued a 20-day temporary restraining order in September 2024.
In response, Camiguin Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo, Vice Governor Rodin Romualdo, and several members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan filed a perjury complaint against Rodriguez.
Article continues after this advertisementThey asserted that the ordinance had, in fact, been published on three separate occasions in Cagayan de Oro City’s local tabloid Mindanao Daily News in May 2024. To support their claim, they presented copies of the newspaper and affidavits of publication.
Article continues after this advertisementThe provincial prosecutor determined that the elements of perjury were present in Rodriguez’s actions.
According to the resolution, Rodriguez had sworn under oath to the truthfulness of his claim that the ordinance was not published, despite evidence to the contrary.
“Respondent Paul Y. Rodriguez executed a verification in support of the petition filed before the Regional Trial Court Branch 28 (Mambajao, Camiguin),” read the resolution signed by Deputy Provincial Prosecutor Lester Labiano and approved by Provincial Prosecutor Rogen Dal.