THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered the implementation of the final dismissal order against Dumanjug Mayor Guntrano “Gungun” Gica, effective Dec. 27, 2017.
In a Dec. 20 memorandum to DILG Cebu Director Jerome Gonzales, DILG 7 Director Rene Burdeos instructed him to serve the order within five days from receipt.
Burdeos also ordered Acting Mayor Rainero Asentista to assume as full-pledged mayor, and Acting Vice Mayor Cesar Baricuatro to assume as full-pledged vice mayor.
When sought to comment, Gica sent a text message saying: “Happy New Year!”
Burdeos based his order on a final decision by the ombudsman on the case filed by former mayor Nelson Garca against Gica.
Deputy Ombudsman Paul Elmer Clemente first dismissed Gica from service on Oct. 18, 2016.
However, the ombudsman issued a joint order last Feb. 23, giving Gica a chance to refute the charges. It ordered Gica to file his counter-affidavit and other controverting evidence. However, he still was not acquitted from charges of serious dishonesty and grave misconduct for tampering with a restaurant receipt.
Aside from dismissal from service, all of Gica’s retirement benefits were forfeited and all his civil service eligibilities were cancelled. He is also perpetually disqualified to hold public office.