Ombudsman suspends Surigao Norte mayor for allowing illegal cockfighting

The mayor of Mainit, Surigao del Norte has been ordered suspended for issuing a special permit that allowed illegal cockfighting during a fiesta in a barangay.

According to the Office of the Ombudsman, Mainit Mayor Ramon Mondano issued a special permit to leaders of Purok Masaya for their cockfighting activities from June 20 to 22, 2016 to celebrate a fiesta in Barangay Matin-ao.

“However, it was found that no barangay clearance was issued for the cockfighting,” the Ombudsman said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Ombudsman, in its decision, cited the Local Government Code which states that a barangay clearance is necessary before a city can issue a permit.

“It was not shown that the purok leaders of Purok Masaya applied for a barangay clearance, hence, respondent Mayor Mondano should not have issued the Special Permit in their favor,” the Ombudsman said.

While the Ombudsman said it recognizes Mondano’s authority as municipal mayor to issue special permits, it stressed that he should have required a barangay clearance before doing so.

The Ombudsman ordered a one-month suspension against Mondano after finding him guilty of simple neglect of duty.