The Office of the Ombudsman has denied the motions for reconsideration filed by Moises Padilla Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo and two municipal officials over an administrative case involving grave abuse of authority and neglect of duty.
In a decision dated September 25, the Ombudsman affirmed its earlier ruling finding Garcia-Yulo, Civil Registrar-Designate Archie Montelibano, and Licensing Officer Warren Jocson guilty of violating Section 21(e) of Republic Act 11032, the Ease of Doing Business Law.
The ruling stemmed from a complaint filed by business owner Ramona Villaflor, who accused the officials of unreasonably delaying the processing and renewal of her business permit for 2023.
The Ombudsman said substantial evidence proved the respondents failed to act within the prescribed processing time without valid cause, resulting in the denial of the complainant’s permit application.
Each respondent is ordered to pay a fine equivalent to six months of their salary, which may be deducted from their retirement benefits, leave credits, or any receivable from their office.
The Ombudsman ruled that the arguments raised in the motions merely reiterated earlier claims already resolved in the February 20 decision.
The order was reviewed and affirmed by the Acting Director of the Administrative Adjudication Bureau and approved by the Acting Ombudsman for the Visayas.
Garcia-Yulo said she respects the decision of the Ombudsman.*