Bacolod City administrator suspended for lawyering for construction firm

BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines—The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the suspension of Bacolod City administrator Rolando Villamor after finding him administratively liable for conflict of interest.

But the suspension of Villamor may just be rendered moot and academic.

Villamor has been considered resigned after he filed his certificate of candidacy for congressman of Bacolod as an independent candidate, said Mayor Monico Puentevella.

On its website, the Office of the Ombudsman said Villamor was ordered suspended for six months after he was found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

There was conflict of interest when Villamor appeared as counsel for Galeno Construction Inc. in a civil case filed against the city government.

In its decision dated Oct. 1, 2015, the Ombudsman ruled that “by representing a party whose interest collides with that of his employer, the City of Bacolod, respondent Rolando invited suspicion of infidelity to either party.”

“Respondent’s transgression erodes the public’s trust in government employees especially since he holds the esteemed position of City Administrator,” it added.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said “any act that falls short of the exacting standards for public office cannot be tolerated.”  SFM