Ex-brgy exec guilty of misconduct

Former Paril, Cebu City barangay chief was found guilty of simple misconduct over the use of a governmentowned vehicle.

The Office of the Ombudsman held Casemiro Pilones liable for an administrative case for allegedly allowing the use of a government vehicle in transporting farm products to the market.

"Considering that the present case is respondent's first offense which will be taken as a mitigating circumstance and there is no aggravating circumstance alleged, the minimum of the penalty, which is suspension for one month and one day, is warranted," read the decision penned by graft investigation and prosecution officer III Portia Pacquiao.

Pilones meted a penalty of one month and one day suspension without pay.

But since he is no longer in service, the penalty was converted to a fine equivalent to one month's salary, which is deductible from his retirement benefits, accrued leave credits or any receivable from his office. The penalty is payable to the anti-graft body.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by former barangay councilman Mario Cerojan.

Cerojan alleged that Pilones committed misconduct for using garbage truck with plate No. ANA 3105 and barangay ambulance with plate No. SKB 116 for his personal business interest in transporting fruits and vegetables from his farms in Toledo, Tuburan, and Sogod to Cebu City.

In his counter-affidavit, Pilones denied the allegations filed against him.

He claimed he has his own vehicles—one Forward truck, two Mazda Bonggo trucks, two Suzuki multicabs, and one Toyota Hi-Ace, to transport his products from the farms to the market.

But Pacquiao ruled in favor of Cerojan.

She said Pilones did not deny the allegation that he allowed the use of barangay truck to Lorena Soten in transporting her and other farmers' farm products to the city.

"Instead, he even affirmed the same by submitting the letters and sworn statement of Soten detailing her request to use the garbage truck, as well as the receipts for the diesel fuel paid by the farmers when they used the same," read the decision.

Pacquio said though there was no showing that the use of barangay vehicle was for Pilones' personal benefit but for his advocacy to help farmers bring their products to the market.