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Ombudsman calls out DOTr for not suspending Mactan-Cebu airport exec


The Office of the Ombudsman has called out the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for failing to implement the preventive suspension that Ombudsman Samuel Martires imposed on an airport official in connection with his alleged violation of the Anti-Dummy law.

In a statement, the Ombudsman’s office said that it has been receiving reports that Steve Dicdican, General Manager of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), continues to report to work despite the order for his six-month preventive suspension without pay.

Dicdican is facing criminal complaint alongside officers of GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) and 11 foreign nationals over allegations that foreigners are operating the MCIA.

“A copy of the preventive suspension order was likewise served upon Atty. Dicdican thru his official email address in accordance with the Supreme Court 2019 Revised Rules of Procedure. As a lawyer, he should not wait that the order be officially served upon him by the DOTr Secretary because he is expected to observe compliance with lawful orders of duly constituted authorities,” the Ombudsman’s office said in a statement.

Under the Ombudsman's office rules on procedure, a compliance report must be submitted by the DOTr within three calendar days from receipt of the Order of Implementation.

The office of Transportation Chief Arthur Tugade was provided with copies of the order last December 17. 

Aside from criminal complaints, Dicdican is also facing administrative charges for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. — BM, GMA News

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