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[av_heading heading=’Ombudsman penalizes Puentevellas; decision ‘moot’’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY MAE SINGUAY
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BACOLOD City – The Office of the Ombudsman found former mayor Monico Puentevella, and son and former executive assistant Rocky Anthony guilty of simple neglect of duty and grave misconduct, respectively.
The Ombudsman suspended Monico for three months and dismissed Rocky Anthony from government service.
Their penalties stemmed from the case former councilor Carlos Jose Lopez filed against them in connection with the sale of ukay-ukay, or used clothing, at the public plaza in 2014 without authority from the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
But the Puentevellas’ camp said the decision was “moot and academic” since they were no longer in public office.
Monico’s term ended on June 30, 2016 after now Mayor Evelio Leonardia defeated him in the May election, while Rocky Anthony’s position was coterminous with his father’s.
In a 14-page decision, the Ombudsman directed the secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government to carry out the decision on the Puentevellas and submit a compliance report within five days.
If the suspension can no longer be enforced against Monico due to separation from the service, the penalty shall be converted into a fine equivalent to his three-month salary while in office, the anti-graft court said.
The amount shall be payable to the Ombudsman and may be deducted from his retirement benefits, it added.
On the other hand, if the dismissal can no longer be enforced against Rocky Anthony due to separation from the service, the penalty shall be converted into a fine equivalent to his one-year salary while in position.
The amount shall be payable to the Ombudsman and may be deducted from his retirement benefits, accrued leave credits or any receivable from his previous office, said the anti-graft court./PN
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