Brgy kagawad suspended for simple misconduct

For the second time around, former barangay Puntod captain Marvin Beja, now a barangay kagawad, is suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman for three months after soliciting money from private entities.

The Ombudsman found Beja guilty of simple misconduct and violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct of Public Officials, Section 7 (d).

The law prohibits officials from accepting, soliciting, directly or indirectly any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value from any person in the course of their official duties or any transaction which may affect the functions of their office.

The complaint was filed by a certain Mar Giovanni Cabingas. He disclosed that from august to September in 2017, Beja sent several solicitation letters to private individuals and entities for the 57th Charter Day of barangay Puntod and its fiesta celebration on September 1-11, 2017.

Beja allegedly solicited an amount worth P30,000 from a gasoline station situated in their barangay. This amount will supposedly cover the prizes that would be given during the festivities.

Because of this action, Beja is ordered suspended for 3 months without pay.

The suspension order was implemented by City Administrator Teddy Sabuga-a yesterday.

Last year, Beja was also slapped a 1-month suspension order without pay for simple neglect of duty.

The complaint was filed by City Accountant Beda Joy Elot on July 22, 2016, accusing Beja of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, dishonesty, and grave misconduct.

Elot said Beja approved the release of bonuses and cash gifts to barangay officials of Puntod in 2014 amounting to P535,017, pointing out that these transactions were highly irregular. (PJ Orias)