The Ombudsman is expected to release its decision on the controversy surrounding the Captain’s Peak resort by the end of the year.
The resort, built at the foot of a Chocolate Hill in Sagbayan, Bohol, spawned into a nationwide controversy when it was discovered.
Batuan Mayor Antonio Jumawid, who is also a lawyer, revealed that those involved were instructed to submit position papers.
Jumawid assisted barangay officials from Batuan who were among those suspended in connection with the fiasco.
Initially, 69 officials, both local and national, including Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado, were ordered suspended for six months.
However, the suspension was later reduced to three months.
Jumawid clarified that despite the suspension being lifted, the case remains pending.
The Ombudsman is expected to make a decision on the case by the end of the year, reports said.
The decision could result in either the dismissal of the case or the filing of charges before the appropriate courts, such as the Sandiganbayan.
Jumawid expressed confidence that the case against the officials would eventually be dismissed, particularly for those who did not sign the resolution of the Protected Area Management Board that permitted the construction of Captain’s Peak.