- CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod Wednesday, Aug. 2 dismissed the complaint for grave misconduct, oppression, and serious dishonesty filed by the Central Negros Electric Cooperative against Brgy. Singcang-Airport captain Rosinie Distrito, secretary Merilyn Jibala, and treasurer Alex “Star” Evasco, “for lack of interest due to the withdrawal of the complainant and for lack of substantial proof”.
The SP, in its regular session Aug. 2, adopted then approved the decision of the Committee on Laws, Ordinances, and Good Government dismissing the administrative case against the three barangay officials on the illegal use of electricity, in violation of Republic Act 7832, or electricity pilferage.
Councilor Al Victor Espino, committee chairperson, said in his decision that Ceneco “manifested its intent of withdrawing and lack of interest in pursuing the cases filed against the respondents on the basis of the settlement reached by and between the parties after much deliberation and dialogue”.
He added that the electric cooperative and the concerned barangay officials have reached a “sound compromise” and signed a memorandum of agreement… “for them to settle the obligation within a certain period of time”.
The complaint was filed March 21, 2022 by Ceneco before the Office of the Ombudsman, after it found out on Feb. 11 that year that the barangay hall had been directly tapping into its line without permission.
The administrative case was subsequently indorsed Aug. 9 to the SP, which the latter received Oct. 4.
“While the committee is on the preliminary stages of conducting an investigation of this case, it received a letter dated April 28, 2023, from the complainant, through its acting general manager, in which it manifested its intent of withdrawing and lack of interest in pursuing the cases filed…”
The committee added that “perusal of the complaint will show that the grounds for administrative actions against the respondents were all an allegation of overt and positive actions on their part, and absence of witnesses, particularly the complainant Ceneco, will make this case impossible to be proven and prosecuted, and will fail to withstand in any proceeding for lack of material witnesses.”
Councilor Simplicia Distrito, mother of the punong barangay, inhibited herself from the SP action./CGC
