DILG suspends Capalonga official

By Mark A. Gomez

Capalonga, Cam. Norte--The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has implemented the Order of the Office of the Ombudsman dated May 5,2021 penalizing the councilor and former mayor to Capalonga, Camarines Norte, Senandro M. Jalgalado with one year suspension and a fine equivalent of his 6 months salary for administratively liable for abuse of authority and conduct of prejudicial to the best interest of the service, in relation to Section 25 of Republic Act No. 6770.

In a Department memorandum dated August 11, 2022, the said office cites the ruling of the Ombudsman in the case entitled (Rio “winzer ” abanes et al., vs Senandro M. Jalgaldo (A-19 -0128).

“Finding substantial evidence, judgment is rendered finding Senandro M. Jalgalado administratively liable for abuse of authority and conduct of prejudicial to the best interest of the service and is meted the Suspension of One year pursuant to Rule III , Administrative order No.7 as amended by administrative order No. 17 pursuant to Section 25 of RA No. 6770, Ombdusman ruled.

In the event that the penalty of Suspension can no longer be enforced due to respondent’s separation from the service, the same shall be converted into a fine in the amount equivalent to respondent’s salary for 6 months , payable to the Office of the Ombudsman, and may be deducted from his retirement benefits, accrued leave credits payable to this office, the order said.

The administrative case against his co-respondent Efren Galledoo was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction, same with his other co-repondents Dindo Avellano and Ramil Talento, both for lack of merit.

On July 10, 2022 the office of the ombudsman released an order of implementation, mandating the Department of Interior and Local Government to enforce the order.

The order of implementation was received by the DILG central office on August 3, 2022 and turned over to the DILG Region V for full implementation few days after.

The penalty imposed was in relation to the incident where the former Capalonga mayor got caught on tape ordering his men to beat up the members of the Governor’s Task Force while conducting their anti-illegal quarry operation in Capalonga, Camarines Norte on February 2019.

Bicol Mail exerted efforts to get the side of Jalgalado.

It is also recalled that the former mayor was also involved in Malicious Mischief case, before the Sandiganbayan, 2nd division but the case was dismissed on May 19, 2019 for insufficient evidence.

Jalgalado’s fate remains uncertain.

Reports say that Padilla has appointed Senandro Jalgalado as the chief of Governor’s Special Action Group (GSAG), a taskforce against illegal quarrying, illegal mining, illegal logging and illegal fishing in the province of Camarines Norte.

Observers note that it may be part of a continuing political saga involving the contending political forces in the province.