Ex-Capiz Governor Claims Politics Behind Ombudsman Penalty

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Former Capiz governor Esteban Evan Contreras believes that political motives are behind the enforcement of the penalty imposed by the Office of the Ombudsman against him and two former colleagues for violating procurement laws.

“The issue on the implementation of the Ombudsman’s ruling is timely with the coming May 12, 2025, midterm elections, where I am a candidate for governor,” Contreras told Daily Guardian on Feb. 14.

He noted that the Ombudsman’s order was dated Oct. 23, 2023, but it was only on Feb. 29, 2024, that the court directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to implement it.

“It is highly suspicious that there is a political motive behind the late enforcement,” he stressed, adding that since he is no longer in office, there is no way to deduct the fine from his six months’ salary.

Contreras won the gubernatorial race in 2019, but lost his re-election bid in 2022 to Fredenil “Oto” Castro by a wide margin. He is now seeking to regain the post as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections.

The Office of the Ombudsman found Contreras, former Provincial Administrator Edwin Monares, and former Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital (RMPH) chief Edmarie Tormon guilty of violating the Government Procurement Reform Law (RA 9184).

In a Jan. 30, 2025, memorandum, the Ombudsman directed the DILG, through provincial director Cherryl Tacda, to enforce the penalty, which requires each respondent to pay a fine equivalent to six months’ basic salary, pursuant to Section 10, Rule III of Administrative Order No. 07, as amended.

However, the Ombudsman dismissed all criminal and administrative charges against them for lack of merit, as well as the case against Nizza G. Billedo, the supplier, due to lack of jurisdiction.

Contreras, Monares, and Tormon were accused of one count of violating RA 9184 over alleged contract splitting in the procurement of medical supplies in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The case stemmed from a criminal complaint filed on Nov. 25, 2021, by incumbent Vice Gov. Jaime Magbanua and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial board).

Prosecutors found evidence of unlawful contract splitting in the procurement of medical supplies through small-value procurement.