CASES FILED VS. LGU OFFICIALS INCREASED

Public officials and employees asked to always align their official acts with the Constitution and laws, and to put the public’s interest above their personal interest.

Officials and employees of local government unit (LGUs) remain on top of the list of those with the most number of cases filed before the Office of the Ombudsman since 2013.

According to the Ombudsman’s Finance and Management Information Office, the number of cases filed last year against erring LGU personnel nationwide increased by 13.9 percent, from 2,799 cases in 2016 to 3,189 cases in 2017.

Of the 3,189 cases, 1,849 cases were filed against city or municipal officials, 1,065 cases against village officials, and 265 cases against provincial officials. These consist of administrative and criminal cases.

LGU personnel still topped the list since they are in constant contact with the people, a former ombudsman official said.

The Philippine National Police placed second on the list with 939 cases, which decreased by eight percent, compared to the 1,022 cases filed against its officers and employees in 2016.

The Department of Education came in third with 310 cases, while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources ranked fourth with 184 cases.

The Ombudsman also reported that it filed a total of 2,477 cases before the Sandiganbayan, which resulted in about 1,457 indictments against local government executives and personnel.

In the Ombudsman-Visayas, the most common case filed against public officials and officials before the Sandiganbayan last year was for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The Ombudsman is reminding public officials and personnel to always align their official acts with the Constitution and the existing laws.

They are also expected to put the interest of the public above their personal interest.