Newsbriefs

FORMER MAYOR CLEARED

ADMINISTRATIVE charges were dismissed against former Consolacion mayor Avelino Gungob and seven municipal government employees who were sued in relation to the reclamation project in Consolacion town, northern Cebu.

In its decision, the Ombudsman-Visayas said there is “lack of substantial evidence” against Gungob and the other respondents.

The case stemmed from the complaint of Teodorico Barral, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources officer.

In 2009, an ocular inspection from a team sent by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said nipa plantations and mangroves were damaged by hauling operations done during construction of a local government center.

They said the lot where the center is built is located in timberland territory.

In his counter-affidavit, Gungob cited the need to develop and reclaim the area where several buildings will be built.

Among them are the Consolacion Municipal Hall, community college, National Police Commission’s Regional Training School and sports facilities.

Gungob said the DENR recommended approval of the town’s application for Special Land Use.

In her decision, graft investigation and prosecution officer Mona Chica Cabanes-Gillamac said hauling and dumping of filling materials in the area is not unlawful.

She said the project was covered by a Foreshore Lease Agreement and an Environment Compliance Certificate issued by the DENR. Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol

DRUG TESTING IN CEBU BARANGAYS

RANDOM drug testing is being proposed for all barangay officials in Cebu in the wake of the arrest of a barangay councilor in a drug raid in barangay Tejero, Cebu City, last week.

Provincial Board (PB) member Rimobapil Holganza said he is open to this initiative since they will form an Anti-Drug Commission in the province.

A resolution was passed on third and final reading in the PB for this purpose.

There are 14,000 barangay officials in the province.  Holganza said they will still look for funding for the random drug testing.

Last week, Councilor Benvienido Pasion of barangay Sacsac, Pinamunghaan town, was caught packing at least P300,000 worth of shabu.

He was arrested by police together with his 42-year-old cousin Ricardo Paslon and 26-year-old worker Ricardo Arbiol.

Seized from their possession were 12 medium packs of shabu, one .45 pistol, one magazine, live ammunition, two cell phones, 37 improvised plastic strips and P3,050 cash, believed to be proceeds of a drug sale.

Paslon chairs the barangay committee on the environment.  Holganza said there was no complaint or request for assistance from Paslon. Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus