Moises Padilla mayor respects Ombudsman ruling after MR denial

By Dolly Yasa

MOISES PADILLA, Negros Occidental — Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo has confirmed receiving the Office of the Ombudsman’s resolution denying her Motion for Reconsideration (MR) in the administrative case for grave abuse of authority and neglect of duty filed against her and two other municipal officials.

In an eight-page order dated Sept. 25, 2025, the Ombudsman denied the motions filed by Garcia-Yulo, Civil Registrar Archie A. Montelibano and Business Permit and Licensing Office officer-in-charge Warren V. Jocson, thereby affirming its Feb. 20, 2025, decision that found them liable for violating Section 21(e) of Republic Act 11032, also known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act.

Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer II Abegail Marie Cinco, who issued the ruling, said substantial evidence supported the complaint filed by Ramona Nalagon Villaflor, alleging unreasonable delay and the subsequent denial of her business permit renewal.

The officials were ordered to pay a fine equivalent to six months of their respective salaries, which may be deducted from their retirement benefits, leave credits or any receivables from their office.

In their defense, the respondents argued that the delay was justified due to the complainant’s failure to submit required documents such as a contract of lease, land title or tax declaration.

They also cited issues arising from a duplicate business permit application filed by the complainant’s sister.

However, the Ombudsman maintained that the arguments simply repeated points already addressed in the earlier ruling.

It further noted that the motions did not meet any of the grounds under Section 27 of RA 6770 that would warrant a reversal of the decision.

The order stressed that the respondents likewise failed to justify their noncompliance with the processing time mandated under RA 11032.

The resolution was reviewed and endorsed by Acting Director Portia A. Pacquiao, Assistant Ombudsman for the Visayas Gaudioso J. Melendez, and approved by Acting Ombudsman Dante E. Vargas.

Mayor Garcia-Yulo said Thursday that she respects the Ombudsman’s decision, adding:
“We cannot please everyone, and there may indeed be complaints, but this will not weaken our determination to serve for the good of the many.”#