Four President Roxas kagawads face Ombudsman complaints

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Four incumbent barangay kagawads of Poblacion, President Roxas, Capiz, are facing criminal and administrative complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman.

A document obtained by the Daily Guardian on Sunday, Aug. 9, identified the respondents as barangay kagawads Jose Chenel Bertuldo, Gonzalo Escosia Jr., Franklin Garcia, and Niño Angelo Dela Cruz.

Former barangay kagawad Edison Dolor filed the complaints against the four officials.

According to the Ombudsman document, the respondents face a criminal complaint for falsification by a public officer, employee, notary, or ecclesiastical minister under Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code.

They also face administrative complaints for grave abuse of authority, gross neglect of duty, and serious dishonesty.

The document stated that there was sufficient basis to proceed with the complaints filed by Dolor and directed the respondents to answer the allegations.

The Ombudsman ordered the four officials to file their counter-affidavits and supporting evidence within five days.

The complaints stemmed from the alleged selection of a colleague to fill a vacancy in the barangay council without a proper quorum.

The vacancy arose after some members of the barangay council ran for and won seats in the Sangguniang Bayan during the 2025 elections.

Under the Local Government Code, a permanent vacancy in a sangguniang barangay is filled by the city or municipal mayor upon the recommendation of the sangguniang barangay concerned.

Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code covers falsification committed by a public officer, employee, or notary

The Daily Guardian sought comments from the respondent barangay officials, but they could not be reached as of press time.