Ombudsman-Visayas urged to decide case vs mayor

Ayungon, Negros Oriental—The Office of the Ombudsman was urged to decide in the cases filed by two Cebu-based businessmen last year against the mayor here, as the delay has apparently emboldened the latter to go after his son’s business competitors in silica mining operations.

Cases for robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons as well as grave misconduct and oppression were filed by Pilipinas Eco-Friendly Mining Corp., represented by Mark Y. Yu of Cebu City, and Pilipinas Logistics and Technological Solutions Inc. represented by Rodien Paca of Naga City, Cebu against Mayor Edsel Enardecido.

“We urged the Office of the Visayas Ombudsman to immediately decide on the cases we filed against Mayor Enardecido,” the complainants said of the cases still pending for preliminary investigation at the anti-graft agency.

They said the delay in deciding these cases has emboldened Enardecido to go after mining firms in his municipality.

PEMC likewise filed a case against the mayor’s son, Keith B. Enardecido, who operates a truck business engaged in hauling silica from the mining operations.

The cases stemmed from an incident on April 7, 2017 when the trucks hauling silica were not allowed to enter the Looc Port.

On July 26, 2018, Enardecido issued a closure order of Good Yield Resources Development Inc. (GRDI), located at Looc, Tampucon 1, Ayungon town.

Elements of the local police headed by PSINSP Romeo G. Cubo assisted town officials in implementing the closure order allegedly for having no business permit. The GRDI is contesting the closure order.

The closure of Silica mines in Ayungon cuts off the supply of the raw material for at least 10 big cement factories in the country. Silica is an important ingredient in manufacturing cement.

The supply of cement is crucial in implementing the ambitious build, build, build program of the Duterte administration.