BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Evelio “Bing” R. Leonardia of Bacolod City is facing perpetual dismissal from government service.
This is after the Office of the Ombudsman found Leonardia and nine others guilty of grave misconduct and gross negligence for anomalous purchase of furniture worth P50 million between 2008 and 2010.
The complaint emanated from Francisco H. Puey, who served as an observer during the bidding process. Puey noted how the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) awarded the contract to Comfac Corp. despite the company specializes on information technology.
The Ombudsman also ordered the dismissal of Secretary to the Mayor Goldwyn Nifras; BAC member Nelson Sedillo Sr.; City Engineer Belly Aguillon; City Engineer Aladino Agbones; City Engineer Jaries Ebenizer Encabo; BAC Secretariat Chief Melvin Recabar; former city budget officer Luzviminda Treyes; former city accountant Eduardo Ravenal; and former city treasurer Annabelle Badajos.
In a 21-page joint resolution signed by Assistant Ombudsman Edna Diño and approved by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, the accused can also be charged criminally for violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Former City Legal Officer Allan Zamora, who died, and lawyer Gliceria Caduhada, were not included in the Ombudsman’s order. (CARLA N. CANET)