ILOILO City – The Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the administrative charges filed by former City Health Office (CHO) chief Dr. Bernard Caspe against Mayor Jerry Treñas and City Administrator Melchor Tan.
In a ruling dated Feb. 8, 2021, the anti-graft court cited the lack of substantial evidence to convict the two officials for grave misconduct, oppression, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and violation of Section 4 (A) (C) of Republic Act 6713 (Code of Conduct and. Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).
“In sum, the complaint lacks evidence. As such, the elements for the offenses…cannot be established; the Office no longer sees the necessity of discussing each and every element of the offense alleged. At any rate, the criminal complaint must be dismissed,” read part of the joint resolution penned by Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer III Darius Sagadal and approved by Ombudsman Samuel Martires.
Caspe claimed he was coerced into resigning from his position. Treñas allegedly instructed Tan as well as Dr. Anabelle Tang to tell him to resign.
Both Treñas and Tan denied this.
“Basic is the rule that the party who alleges a fact has the burden of proving it. Here, complainant did not submit any evidence to support his allegations,” the resolution stated.
Caspe alleged that on May 14, 2019 after the local election, Tang told him that she was instructed by Treñas that he (Caspe) should resign or Treñas would make his life miserable.
Treñas allegedly got mad at Caspe because he campaigned for another candidate for mayor.
Tang, in her affidavit, denied this.
On July 4, 2019, shortly after the Treñas took office as elected city mayor, Caspe claimed Treñas made a similar instruction to Tan.
Caspe also cited a radio interview on May 15, 2019 wherein Treñas allegedly stated that he wanted the city’s department heads to resign and accused them of electioneering and immorality.
Treñas denied the allegations.
“Complainant’s allegation that respondents unlawfully coerced him to resign is not supported by evidence. Mere allegations are not evidence. Respondents, on the other hand, were able to submit evidence to dispute complainant’s allegation,” the resolution further read./PN
