Ombudsman-Mindanao resolves 868 cases

THE Office of the Ombudsman in Mindanao (OMB-Min) reported 50 percent disposition rate from January to October 31 this year.

Data obtained from the Ombudsman stated that the office had an overall case workload of 1,728 cases as of October 2017.

Of the total case workload, 868 of these, composed of both aging and newly received cases, were duly resolved that gives the OMB-Min a disposition rate of 50 percent.

According to the OMB-Min, the adjudication of administrative cases filed against elective officials was directed by the Ombudsman to be prioritized to effectively enforce the sanctions against those found administratively guilty.

From the 250 cases pending in 2016, 87 percent (%) or 218 cases of which were resolved that left 32 cases for resolution. With 345 cases this year, the office has now 377 total pending cases against elective officials for resolution.

The criminal case workload reached a total of 823 cases as of October 31 this year, 50 percent or 409 cases of which were duly resolved.

Of those resolved in preliminary investigation, 29 percent or 118 cases recommended the filing of criminal cases against the accused before the Sandiganbayan or regular courts.

The administrative case workload in the OMB-Min also reached to 905 total cases, of which 51 percent or 459 cases were already resolved.

Of the resolved administrative cases, 33 percent or 152 cases imposed administrative sanctions against government officials and employees.

The OMB-Min has recommended the dismissal from the service of 200 government employees, of which 28 are high-ranking officials and 172 are low-ranking officials, averaging at least 20 dismissal a month.

In 2016, the office ordered the dismissal and perpetual disqualification from the service of the 91 public officials here in Mindanao.

Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao lawyer Rodolfo Elman attributed the disposition rate of the OMB-Min to the cases filed with the office and zero backlog order of the Ombudsman.