Ombudsman dismisses 4 QC Hall employees for misconduct, graft

MANILA, Philippines–The Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday dismissed from service employees from Quezon City Hall for different offenses.

In separate decisions, the Ombudsman ordered the dismissal from the service of Ramir Bautista, Darwin Orlina, and Paulo Jose Evasco, all village watchmen of Barangay Quirino 3-A, Project 3, Quezon City; and Lani Palmani Castillo, Utility Worker II, Department of Engineering, Quezon City Hall.

In their complaint-affidavit, Pilar Habana and her son Carlo accused Bautista, Orlina and Evasco and two unidentified companions of allegedly mauling Carlo in front of his house. Pilar was also injured when she tried to help her son.

The complainants presented a copy of the police investigation report as well as copies of complainants’ medico-legal certificates.

Criminal cases were also filed against the respondents before the Metropolitan Trial Court of Quezon City.

Based on the Ombudsman’s ruling, the respondents’ dismissal from the service was warranted as “the acts of the respondents constitute Grave Misconduct. While in the performance of their duties, the respondents were the ones who attacked the complainants and in the process violated their sworn duty to maintain peace and order in the community.”

Aside from the penalty of dismissal from the service, they were meted the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility and retirement benefits and disqualification for reemployment in the government service.

Meanwhile, Castillo was charged with violation of Section 11 (b) of Republic Act No. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act for conniving with a certain Filip Valera in extorting money from Rosalyn Mercado and Dennie Burget to expedite the immediate issuance and release of business permits.

Section 11 (b) of RA 9485 states that “fixing and/or collusion with fixers in consideration of economic and/or other gain or advantage is a grave offense which the corresponding penalty of dismissal from the service and perpetual disqualification from public service.”

In their complaint before the Quezon City Hall Police Office (QCHPO), Mercado and Burget claimed that Castillo was introduced to them by Valera.

They said Castillo allegedly demanded P10,000 for the speedy release of the permits, for which Mercado issued a Union Bank Check in the name of Castillo, which respondent encashed the very next day. When

When Castillo demanded an additional P10,000, Mercado filed a complaint for estafa before the QCHPO, which referred the matter to the Ombudsman.

Castillo was ordered to file her counter-affidavit but failed to do so.

The decision states that “based on the records of the case, there is no doubt that respondent Castillo committed the charge held against her.”