A case was filed at the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas against Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito (Jonkie) Ouano for hiring two alleged incumbent barangay officials from Compostela, Cebu.

Edward Ligas, a radio commentator, filed his complaint against Ouano morning on January 23, 2026.

The two councilmen are from different barangays in Compostela.

Ligas alleged that Ouano violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, unlawful appointment under Article 244 of the Revised Penal Code and grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

According to Ligas, the two barangay officials work at the Mandaue City Hall, or are receiving double compensation using taxpayers' money.

The complainant also submitted a certificate from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) which confirmed reportedly that the two officials are incumbent members of their respective Sangguniang Barangay in Compostela and are receiving salary as employees of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mandaue City.

Ligas made it clear that no politician is backing him on the legal action. He said he has filed the complaint as a concerned resident of Mandaue City.

He requested preventive suspension for the three persons involved while the case is on.

Ouano pointed out that he will answer the said complaint filed against him.

“As far as I know murag ni- resign na siya as councilor sa Compostela murag ang employer-employee relationship. Wala ra man sad kay consultant ra man, amo lang unya na tubagon…mao man ni trabaho nato as public servants, kaning si Edward Ligas sad pinangga mi niya, gi-file-lan mi ako mga igsoon unya niya,” Ouano said.

(via Alan Domingo, Nikko Sereno/GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)