Ombudsman finds barangay councilor liable for misconduct

THE Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas found a former barangay councilor of Minglanilla town, southern Cebu, liable for mauling a 15-year-old boy seven years ago.

Eleno Ong of barangay Linao in Minglanilla town was found guilty of misconduct and was meted a suspension of three months.

However, Ong could no longer serve the penalty on the administrative offense since his term of office has already ended.

Ong, nevertheless, couldn’t escape the arms of the law as he was charged in court in relation to the mauling incident.

He will be facing trial on charges of slight physical injuries.

The complainant claimed that he and five of his friends went to the Lipata National High School in Minglanilla to get mangoes from a tree on May 24, 2005.

He explained that he actually didn’t participate in getting mangoes.

The boy said three of his companions were able to get mangoes from the tree.

He said he and his companions scampered away when they saw Ong, but he was unfortunately caught.

The boy said he was brought by Ong to the barangay hall where he was punched on the stomach.

He said Ong also hit him on the face.

In his counter-affidavit, Ong denied hitting the complainant.

He said he simply brought the complainant to the barangay hall for investigation.

But graft investigation and prosecution officer Portia Pacquiao-Suson found the complainant’s allegations credible compared to Ong’s denial.

“Complainant has no motive of fabricating charges against respndent,” Suson explained. / Ador Vincent Mayol, Reporter