BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the suspension of a former city administrator here for an administrative case.
Rolando Villamor was ordered suspended without pay for 6 months and one day after he was found guilty of Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service, said the Ombudsman decision, dated October 1.
The decision said that Villamor appeared as counsel for Galeno Construction Inc. in a civil case filed against the city government, noting that it is a clear case of conflict of interest.
The Ombudsman said that “by representing a party whose interest collides with that of his employer, the City of Bacolod, respondent invited suspicion of infidelity to either party.”
“Respondent’s transgression erodes the public’s trust in government employees especially since he holds the esteemed position of City Administrator,” it added.
According to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, “any act that falls short of the exacting standards for public office cannot be tolerated.”
Villamor filed a Certificate of Candidacy for congressman of the lone district of Bacolod City on October 16. He will run as independent.
With this, Mayor Monico Puentevella appointed General Services Office (GSO) Head Jerome Solinap as the concurrent acting city administrator on October 20 after Villamor was "considered resigned" when he filed his COC. – Rappler.com