The Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the criminal and administrative cases filed against E.B. Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon and other municipal officials and employees.

The dismissal order, dated February 2, was signed by Ombudsman graft investigation and prosecution officer Emilyn Cristina Castillo, with recommended approval from Assistant Ombudsman Pilarita Lapitan in Quezon City.

Those cleared of the charges include E.B. Magalona Vice Mayor Eric Matulac; Sangguniang Bayan members Gelita Parcon, Jovie Madayag, Joey Pugales, and Isidro Gomed Jr.; municipal budget officer Debbie Ann Dioneo-Monte, former municipal budget officer Jessilyn Plaza, and municipal treasurer Riza Diaz; and several barangay captains.

Malacon said that, while the case has not been resolved in the past six years, it has been stressful for him and his family.

For the involved officials, their victory in the case was particularly emotional, as some were unable to retire, while others had their public service reputations tarnished.

They said they can now move forward as their names were cleared and their commitment to public service reaffirmed.

The case was filed by former E.B. Magalona Vice Mayor Robert Acaling, who questioned the disbursement of P300,000 to 23 villages in the municipality in 2018.

Acaling alleged that the disbursement process was not followed correctly.

The charges included violations of Section 3 of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices, illegal use of public funds or property, dishonesty, grave abuse of authority, grave misconduct, and violations of Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees./WDJ