Clarin, Bohol Mayor Engr. Eugene Ibarra has accepted the suspension order from
the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) over a case of simple
dishonesty filed by his political rival.
The case stemmed from a sworn statement signed by Mayor Ibarra in 2021 as a
requirement to purchase a car for the municipality without a Sangguniang Bayan
resolution to authorize him.
The car was supposed to be funded by former LMP National President Chavit
Singson through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), but the funding
was returned to the national government due to the delay.
The Visayas Ombudsman found Mayor Ibarra guilty of simple dishonesty, but not of
grave misconduct as charged by his opponent.
The Ombudsman said that there was no damage or prejudice to the government, no
evidence of personal gain or benefit, and no abuse of position by Mayor Ibarra. The
Ombudsman also noted that his actions were apparently intended to benefit the
municipality.
Mayor Ibarra said he was not disappointed by the suspension, which will last for one
month, because he followed all the procedures to obtain the funds.
He blamed the Sangguniang Bayan for delaying the resolution due to politics.
Saying his conscience was clear, Ibarra revealed he regretted that the funds were
wasted and could have been used for the people of Clarin.
He assured the public that the municipal government will continue to function
normally under the leadership of Vice Mayor Fernando Camacho, who will act as the
mayor during his suspension.