23-05-2025
Camiguin brgy execs face raps over road closure
Officials of Bonbon, Catarman, Camiguin are facing charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly closing a national road without an ordinance.
Chairman Camilo Apugan and all members of the barangay council are being accused of usurpation of legislative powers under Article 239 of the Revised Penal Code and for violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713).
The complaints were filed by former barangay chairman Christopher Rodriguez in August 2024.
However, the Ombudsman only issued the order for the respondents to file their counter-affidavits on April 30, 2025, after Rodriguez completed filing the documents required.
The case stemmed from the week-long closure of a national road in May 2024 to hold a 'night café' from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. allegedly without an ordinance from the barangay council or from the Sangguniang Bayan.
'Hassle kaayo sa mga commuters ibabaw gipaagi. Piot ang dalan dilikado ngitngit kun gadali ka malangan ka og abot,' Rodriguez said.
'Nakakuha ko certification sa vice mayor nga wala sila ordinance ana na purpose,' he added.
In the three-page order, the Ombudsman said 'the respondents' failure to file their counter-affidavits within the aforesaid period shall be deemed a waiver of their right to submit controverting evidence and the investigation shall proceed accordingly.'
'Thereafter, these cases shall be deemed submitted for resolution on the basis of the evidence presented by the parties whose presence may be dispensed with, unless otherwise required for clarificatory questioning,' reads part of the order.
For his part, Apugan said he will consult his legal counsel first before issuing any statement.
