Ombudsman finds probable cause against CamNorte gov

By BICOL MAIL REPORTORIAL TEAM

The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to charge Camarines Norte Governor Ricarte “Dong” Padilla with violating provisions of the Revised Penal Code after appointing seven individuals to public office despite their lack of qualifications.

Governor Padilla, refutes this claim by the complainant, stating that the complaint is a “form of harassment,” as stated in his counter-affidavits presented in the Resolution served by the Ombudsman.

In a decision released by the Ombudsman, it was explained that sufficient evidence exists to support the claims against Padilla and the seven other individuals involved.

The complaint was filed by Michael Dolera, a broadcaster and President of the Crimes and Corruption Watch - Camarines Norte Chapter.

The complaint alleges that Governor Padilla appointed the following individuals to key positions within the Provincial Government: Christabell Angelica Romualdo Abaño, Restituta Bensa Nagera, Jerome Cabingan Obusan, Jane Carlo Calog Madamba, Ernesto Villafranca Valeros, Jr., Henry Porcalla Zaballa— all of whom were aspirants who failed to win any government positions during the May 2022 elections. It was also noted that Governor Padilla appointed his own brother, Casimiro “Roy” Padilla, an individual with a criminal conviction.

According to Article 244 of the Revised Penal Code, an individual who does not meet the qualifications for a government position is prohibited from being appointed.

Additionally, Section 6, Article IX-B of the 1987 Constitution restricts the appointment of any person who has lost in an election within one year of the election date.

Padilla defended his actions by stating that the appointments were made to assist in managing various committees within the provincial government. He further argued that the appointed individuals did not receive salaries, noting that the appointments were personal in nature. With each of the individuals acting as advisors for the Camarines Norte Governor.

However, the Ombudsman dismissed these justifications, emphasizing that the lack of compensation and formal appointment did not absolve the individuals. Further stating that if Governor Padilla needed the insights and expertise of the involved individuals, they would not have been appointed as public officers.

The case was formally filed by Dolera on September 14, 2022, after Padilla issued a special directive appointing the accused individuals to various positions as coordinators within the Provincial Government’s committees and offices.

While no administrative decision has been made yet, legal counsel believes the court will likely rule in favor of the criminal charges against the accused individuals. Governor Padilla, together with the co-accused have since filed Motions for Reconsideration. As of now, the Bicol Mail would like to reach out to Governor Padilla to comment on the recent developments of the ongoing case.