By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Office of the Ombudsman recently dismissed administrative charges against Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia surrounding the alleged P858,872 in gasoline payment irregularities. The decision was made based on the Condonation Legal Doctrine, or the Aguinaldo Doctrine, wherein reelection to office is considered an acceptance of an official’s actions.
In addition, despite finding former City Accountant Eduardo Ravena guilty of grave misconduct, which has resulted in his dismissal from service with cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office, the misconduct complaint against the former city official, who currently sits on the Bacolod City Water District Board of Directors, was dismissed for lack of substantial evidence.
Meanwhile, the misconduct complaint against City Engineer Belly Aguillon was also dismissed.
The case stemmed from an administrative complaint filed by the Ombudsman-Field Investigation Office (OMB-FIO).
According to the OMB-FIO affidavit, “Advance payments made by the city to gasoline stations without prior gasoline deliveries were capitalized, recorded as inventories or directly charged to an expense account by the city accountant without necessary evidence to vouch for the existence, correctness, and validity of the recording accounting transactions.”
The affidavit also indicated, “COA (Commission on Audit) clearly stated in their reports that advance payments were made by the city to gasoline stations without prior gasoline deliveries,” citing Presidential Decree No. 1445, quoting, “The government shall not be obliged to make an advance payment for services not yet rendered or for supplies and materials not yet delivered.”
Watchmen Daily Journal tried reaching Ravena for comment but he has yet to respond as of press time./DGB, WDJ