By I. Inojales | 03:03 PM October 22, 2025
TAGBILARAN CITY — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal from service of Guindulman Mayor Albino Balo and five other municipal employees after finding them guilty of Grave Misconduct over alleged irregularities in two local government projects.
In a decision signed by Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer III Darius Sagadal and approved by Ombudsman Samuel Martires through Deputy Ombudsman Jose Balmeo Jr. on September 12, 2025, Balo and the following LGU personnel were dismissed from service based on substantial evidence: Rodney Jones Labang, Municipal Engineer; Ariston Beronio, former Municipal Engineer; Jean Janiola (also known as Jean dela Peña), Municipal Treasurer; Dennis Theodore Besinga, Administrative Aide II/TO-Designate; and Evelyn Hinatuan, Administrative Aide III/HRMO-designate.
The Ombudsman’s ruling stemmed from findings of irregularities in the construction of a giant Christmas tree in 2022 and a Multi-Purpose Billboard Cell project in 2023.
However, the Ombudsman dismissed the charges against Engineering Aide Jun Andreo Cellacay, Municipal Accountant Consolacion dela Peña, Municipal Budget Officer Aida Mahilum, and Municipal Assessor Christopher Beruan due to lack of sufficient evidence.
The administrative complaint against Balo and the involved LGU personnel was filed by Bernard Banal, a resident of Purok 4, Barangay Mayuga, Guindulman, on February 28, 2024.
They were accused of violating Section 4(a) of Republic Act 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), Sections 17(b) and 23 of RA 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991), and RA 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act).
As of press time, Mayor Balo has not yet issued an official statement regarding the Ombudsman’s decision.
