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Ombudsman suspends CDO councilor for slapping traffic enforcer


The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the six-month suspension of a Cagayan de Oro City councilor after he was found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service for slapping a traffic enforcer.

In a press statement on Wednesday, the Ombudsman said Councilor Zaldy Ocon will be suspended for six months without pay and may face a criminal case for violation of Article 359 (Slander by Deed) of the Revised Penal Code.

The complainant, Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) traffic enforcer Ric Emmanuel Agustin, said he issued a traffic violation ticket against Ocon on November 30, 2016 for parking at a "no parking zone."

Ocon threw away the ticket, which escalated the situation.

A day after their altercation, the two met upon the invitation of RTA Chairman Nonito Oclarit at the city council's session hall, where Ocon slapped Agustin. The incident was also witnessed by RTA Overseer Jose Uy.

The Ombudsman said that Ocon's actions have damaged his image as a public official. It said that Uy's statement also established the former's culpability.

“Records show that respondent’s actuations have tarnished the image of his public office when he slapped complainant. A public official should avoid any appearance of impropriety affecting the integrity of government services. Every public officer should be an example of integrity and proper behavior,” the Ombudsman said in its decision.

“The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees  enunciates the State policy of promoting a high standard of ethics and utmost responsibility in the public service. By his actuations, respondent failed to live up to such standards,” it added. — BM, GMA News

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