The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed the criminal and administrative charges filed by a security guard of Richli Corporation against Balilihan Mayor Pureza Veloso-Chatto and several barangay officials and personnel over a road clearing operation in 2021.
In a decision released to the public on August 30, Ombudsman Samuel Martires approved the recommendation of Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Dante Vargas to junk the complaints of grave coercion, grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service lodged by Jeffrey Ipong, a guard employed by Richli.
The Ombudsman found no probable cause to indict the respondents for any of the offenses alleged by Ipong, who claimed that they threatened him and damaged the property of Richli during the road clearing on November 5, 2021.
The Ombudsman noted that the respondents were acting in their official capacities when they conducted the road clearing in Barangay Sto. Niño, where Richli had blocked and diverted a barangay road leading to a spring.
The anti-graft body also pointed out that Ipong had filed similar charges of grave coercion, malicious mischief, and unjust vexation before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Bohol, but they were dismissed for lack of merit. Ipong’s appeal was also denied by the same office.
Graft investigators said that Ipong failed to present any evidence to support his allegations, and that his complaints were merely based on his own perception and speculation.
The Ombudsman also observed that Ipong refused to accept the notice of road clearing issued by the respondents, and that he did not show any proof that his life was in danger or that he was harmed by the respondents.
There was no basis to hold the respondents administratively or criminally liable for their actions, which were done in good faith and in accordance with the law, the Ombudsman said.
The respondents expressed their gratitude to the Ombudsman for upholding their innocence and clearing their names. They also thanked their supporters and constituents for their trust and confidence.
They said that they will continue to serve the people of Balilihan with honesty and integrity, and that they will not be deterred by false accusations from anyone.