CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Radio commentator Edward Ligas has filed complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman–Visayas, accusing Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano and two barangay councilmen from Compostela town of alleged unlawful appointment of elected officials to paid city positions.
In two separate complaints filed on January 23, 2026, Ligas named as respondents Mayor Ouano, Barangay Cogon Kagawad Ian Negrido Arioja, and Barangay Poblacion Kagawad Renee Lynn De Guzman Castro.
Ligas accused the respondents of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, unlawful appointment, under Article 244 of the Revised Penal Code, and administrative offenses of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, under the Local Government Code.
According to the complaints, Arioja, while serving as an incumbent barangay kagawad of Barangay Cogon, was appointed as an administrative specialist under a Contract of Service (COS) at the Mandaue City government from August 1 to December 31, 2025, with a monthly compensation of ₱21,448.
Ligas alleged that, during the same period, Arioja continued to perform administrative functions under the City Administrator’s Office despite holding an elective barangay post.
The second complaint involves Castro, an incumbent barangay kagawad of Barangay Poblacion, who was allegedly appointed as an accounting specialist under a COS for the same duration, receiving a monthly salary of P20,110.
Her duties reportedly included maintaining financial records, verifying procurement documents, and preparing audit-related reports under the City Legal Office.
Ligas argued that the engagement of incumbent barangay officials under COS arrangements runs contrary to the prohibitions under the Local Government Code, particularly on dual employment and double compensation for elective local officials.
He further alleged that Mayor Ouano acted with “evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence” in approving the contracts, describing the arrangement as a “circumvention-by-contract” scheme that allowed the barangay officials to receive public funds while holding elective posts.
In his prayer, Ligas asked the Ombudsman to place Ouano under preventive suspension pending investigation and to issue subpoenas for payroll, disbursement, and other relevant documents. He also sought administrative sanctions against all respondents.
The Office of the Ombudsman–Visayas is currently evaluating the complaints to determine whether there is probable cause for the filing of charges in court.
Ouano’s side
Sought for comment, Mayor Ouano said Ligas has every right to file a complaint against him before the Office of the Ombudsman–Visayas.
In an interview with reporters on Friday, January 23, 2026, Ouano said he was informed that a case would be filed against him, noting that such complaints are already “expected” in public service.
“Iya man nang katungod,” Ouano said in reference to Ligas’ decision to lodge the complaint.
The mayor added that Ligas has previously filed cases against members of their family, including his sister, Mandaue City lone district Rep. Emmarie “Lollypop” Ouano-Dizon.
To recall, Ligas had earlier filed a complaint before the Ombudsman in September 2024 against Congresswoman Ouano-Dizon and her husband, Opao Barangay Captain Nixon “Jojo” Dizon, over alleged plunder, graft, and falsification of public documents, including their Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth.
Mayor Ouano said he would formally address the allegations once he receives an official copy of the complaint from the Ombudsman–Visayas, emphasizing that he would respond through the proper legal channels with the assistance of his legal team.
He also clarified that the individual from Barangay Cogon, Compostela who was allegedly engaged under a Contract of Service (COS) has already resigned from his barangay post.
“We are confident nga matubag ra na namo tanan ilang mga pasangil,” Ouano said, expressing confidence that the allegations could be adequately answered before the appropriate forum.
In a separate statement, Ouano said he could not yet comment on the merits of the case as he has not received an official copy of the complaint.
“I will refer the matter to my legal team. I am confident that we have not violated any law or regulation. As advised by the City Legal Office, there is no employer-employee relationship under a Contract of Service arrangement, among other legal arguments,” Ouano said.
He added that he considers the filing of cases as part of the “professional hazard” of public service and maintained that he would remain focused on his duties as mayor.
“While there may be those who cannot move on or wait for the 2028 elections, I will choose to focus on my work and ignore the early little noise,” Ouano wrote.
| Written by Krisin de Dios
