The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) has ordered Sindangan, Zamboanga Del Norte Mayor Rosendo Labadlabad, four barangay captains and a village treasurer dismissed for grave misconduct.
In a ten-page copy of the decision dated May 16, 2023 but released to the media last Dec. 15, Labadlabad and Sindangan Barangay Captains Antonio Mohametano of Brgy. Bago, Zosima Dela Cerna of Brgy. Calatunan, Joselito Espinas of Brgy. Ramon Magsaysay, Myzandro Dagondong of Brgy. Mandih, and Barangay Treasurer Rebecca Lafuente of Brgy. Bago were ordered dismissed from government service and perpetually disqualified from holding any government position, forfeiting their retirement benefits.
The Ombudsman said complaints against these officials were filed on Jan. 13, 2021 for their alleged issuance of permits to allow cockfights to be conducted within the barangays under the officials’ area but outside of a duly licensed cockpit.
The complainants personally attested to witnessing the conduct of these cockfights, the OMB said, as these were meant to be part of their fiesta celebrations.
The OMB determined their actions to be in violation of Presidential Decree Number 449, stating that cockfighting shall be allowed only in licensed cockpits, and Republic Act Number 7160 which states that government officials cannot hold any interests in any cockpit.
The OMB has sent the directive to the Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ben Abalos for immediate implementation.
Sindangan Mayor Rosendo Labadlabad is a former congressman representing the second district of Zamboanga Del Norte and is the President of the Zamboanga Del Norte League of Municipalities.
His wife, Glona Labadlabad, is the current Representative of Zamboanga Del Norte’s second district.
The Labadlabads have yet to react to the verdict as of posting time.
