Ombudsman finds ex-NIA Administrator Antiporda guilty of harassment, oppression

The Office of the Ombudsman found former National Irrigation Authority Acting Administrator Benny Antiporda guilty of administrative cases, such as exhibiting conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the service, harassment and oppression, over his treatment of his NIA colleagues.

In an Ombudsman decision dated September 11, the Ombudsman slapped Antiporda a one year suspension without pay or a fine equivalent to one year of his salary as NIA administrator in the event that he is no longer a part of the NIA by the time the Ombudsman’s decision was issued.

The Ombudsman noted that Antiporda, who was suspended from his NIA post last December 2022, did not present evidence to refute allegations against him, which include:

• changing the door lock of the Board of Directors’ office,
• subjecting the staff of then NIA Board Secretary Michelle Gonzales to inspection by security detail,
• depriving Gonzales’ office of janitorial staff service, and
• forcing her driver to execute an affidavit against her.

“Even assuming arguendo that there were indeed vital documents that were in danger of being leaked, the series of acts employed against Raymundo, her office, and staff was overkill. Besides, Antiporda could have taken the matter to the NIA Board of Directors who had authority over the Office of the Board  Secretary,” the Ombudsman said.

“Consequently, Respondent [Antiporda] has tarnished the integrity and diminished public trust and confidence in his office that would constitute conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. But then, the said offense is already absorbed in the offenses of harassment and oppression,” the Ombudsman added.

The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, the Ombudsman said, requires public officials and employees to respect at all times the rights of others, and refrain from acts contrary to good morals and good customs, and to perform their duties with the highest degree of professionalism.

“Government employees are supposed to be well mannered, civil and considerate in their actuations, not only in their relations with the transacting public, but also with their co-workers,” the Ombudsman said.

“Respondent Antiporda’s acts failed to live up to the high standards required of a government employee,” the Ombudsman added.

The Ombudsman, however, cleared Antiporda of the grave misconduct and ignorance of the law administrative cases due to lack of basis.

“This office believes that Antiporda’s acts do not constitute grave misconduct. In grave misconduct, the elements of corruption, clear intent to violate the law, or flagrant disregard of an established rule must be manifest. These elements are absent in this case,” the Ombudsman said.

“Similarly, the charge of ignorance of the law must be dismissed. The complaint did not clearly point out any specific law that was supposedly mistakenly interpreted or applied by Respondent Antiporda. More importantly, the determination of whether the interpretation and application of a law in question is correct is within the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of law (judicial department),” the Ombudsman added.

Unjust ruling

Antiporda, in response, said he would appeal the Ombudsman’s ruling which he finds unjust because the complaint stemmed from his campaign against corruption in the NIA.

“We will submit our motion for reconsideration on the said decision. Let me reiterate that this complaint is a product of a concocted scenario to cover up a bigger issue in NIA which involves corruption,” Antiporda said.

“While I can only bow to the wisdom of the Office of the Ombudsman, may I point out that the punishment ordered against me appears unjustifiable and highly prejudicial considering that I only served at the NIA as acting administrator for less than four months,” Antiporda added.

In closing, Antiporda maintained that he did nothing wrong.

“My conscience is clear in declaring that I have faithfully served our country and our people to the best of my ability, always guided by my firm belief that every action and decision I made is to advance and protect the well-being and interest of the agency I served,” Antiporda said.

“If upholding the public good has become punishable nowadays, then I take things with gladness in my heart,” Antiporda added. — DVM, GMA Integrated News