Siquijor mayor found guilty of misconduct after altercation with brother

The Office of the Ombudsman has found the mayor of Larena, Siquijor guilty of simple misconduct after threatening to assault and arrest his brother.

In its decision, the Ombudsman said Mayor Dean Villa and his brother, Ronnie, had an altercation on March 10 following Dean's conviction in another administrative case before the Sangguninang Panglalawigan.

Ronnie claimed Dean attempted to assault him and has called policemen to have him arrested.

Ronnie lost the mayoralty race to Dean in the May 2016 elections.

The Ombudsman said Dean's actions are against the standards expected of public officials and has ordered for his one-month suspension.

“By using his authority and office for his personal advantage over the complainant, respondent clearly transgressed the norms and standards expected of him as a public servant. Indeed his act constitutes simple misconduct for which he should be held liable,” it said.

Under the Code of Conduct for Public Officials, all government officials and employees are expected to respect the rights of others and refrain from doing acts contrary to law, good morals and customs, and public safety. — BM, GMA News