Ombudsman summons ex-guv for graft, misconduct raps

By: Jomarie A. Billones

ROXAS CITY, Capiz– The Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas has summoned former Capiz governor Antonio del Rosario to a clarificatory hearing on the graft and corruption and misconduct cases filed by Essex Quintia of Dao, Capiz few months ago.

Paul Elmer M. Clemente, deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas, asked Del Rosario to attend the hearing on Sept 13, 2019, 2p.m., at the DA Compound on M Velez Street, Guadalupe, Cebu City.

The Ombudsman also asked the respondent to bring whatever additional evidence, testimonial or documentary, pertinent to the said cases.

“Failure to appear as herein directed shall be deemed a waiver of the right to be present at said hearing, and above docketed cases shall be deemed submitted for resolution on the basis of the evidence on record”, the Ombudsman said in its letter dated August 20, 2019.

Quintia filed charges against Del Rosario for violation of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and RA9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act). The cases are docketed as OMB-V-C-19-0026 and OMB-V-A-19-0031, respectively.

The cases were relative to the hiring of a security agency, allegedly owned by the sister of Del Rosario, for the provincial capitol building, governor’s mansion in Brgy. Lanot here, and provincial government business center.

The former governor is also accused of nepotism or employing family members in the provincial government.