By I. Inojales | 05:55 PM October 23, 2025
GUINDULMAN, BOHOL — Guindulman Mayor Albino “Ben” Balo has stepped down from office after the Office of the Ombudsman ordered his dismissal over alleged irregularities in municipal projects.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, Balo said he was relinquishing his post “with all due respect” to the Ombudsman’s decision, which he confirmed had been formally served to him.
“With all due respect sa desisyon sa Office of the Ombudsman, I am officially stepping down as your Municipal Mayor effective today,” Balo said.
(With all due respect sa desisyon sa Office of the Ombudsman, I am officially stepping down as your Municipal Mayor effective today.”
The Ombudsman’s ruling, dated September 12, 2025, found Balo and several municipal employees guilty of grave misconduct in connection with the alleged falsification of documents for a “multi-purpose billboard” project in 2023. The structure reportedly resembled the town’s 65-foot Christmas tree built the previous year, which had already existed before the supposed project.
Despite the ruling, Balo maintained his innocence, saying he never engaged in corruption during his term.
“Usbon ko — walay gikurakot si Ben Balo. Wala ta molingkod aron magpadatu, kun dili aron mag-alagad nga mapausanon ug sinsero,” he said, emphasizing that his only intention was to provide honest public service.
(Let me repeat — Ben Balo did not steal. I did not sit in office to enrich myself but to serve sincerely and honestly.)
Balo assured his constituents that Guindulman’s local government remains in capable hands under Vice Mayor Engr. Jimmy Busano, who will assume as mayor, while Councilor Abigail Lagura-Gutang will succeed as vice mayor.
“You will be in good hands under the leadership of Vice Mayor Engr. Jimmy Busano… Hinat ugta nga inyong ihatag kanila ang sama nga suporta, respeto, ug gugma nga inyong gihatag ka nako,” he added.
(You will be in good hands under their leadership. I hope you will give them the same support, respect, and love you have given me.)
Expressing gratitude for the people’s trust and unity, Balo ended his statement on a positive note:
“Daghang salamat sa inyong kanunayng pagsalig, gugma, ug panaghiusa. Until we meet again, I will see you around,” he said.
(Thank you for your continued trust, love, and cooperation. Until we meet again, I will see you around.)
