Radio commentator Edward Ligas has filed complaints with the Office of the Ombudsman–Visayas against Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano and two barangay councilors from Compostela town over alleged illegal appointments to paid city positions.
The two complaints, filed on January 23, 2026, named Mayor Ouano, Barangay Cogon Kagawad Ian Negrido Arioja, and Barangay Poblacion Kagawad Renee Lynn De Guzman Castro as respondents.
Ligas alleged violations of 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 a barangay kagawad of Barangay Cogon, was appointed as an Administrative Specialist under a Contract of Service (COS) in the City Administrator’s Office from August 1 to December 31, 2025, receiving a monthly salary of P21,448.
Ligas claimed that Arioja performed continuing administrative functions despite holding an elective position.
Castro, an incumbent barangay kagawad of Barangay Poblacion, was allegedly appointed as an Accounting
Specialist under a COS for the same period, with a monthly salary of P20,110.
Her duties reportedly included maintaining financial records, verifying procurement documents, and preparing audit-related reports for the City Legal Office.
Ligas argued that engaging incumbent barangay officials under COS arrangements violates the Local Government Code’s provisions on dual employment and double compensation.
He further alleged that Mayor Ouano approved the contracts in “evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence,” describing the arrangements as a “circumvention-by-contract” scheme.
In his prayer, Ligas requested preventive suspension for Mayor Ouano while the investigation is ongoing and asked the Ombudsman 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 reviewing the complaints to determine whether probable cause exists to file charges in court.
Mayor Ouano, when asked for comment, said Ligas has the right to file the complaints and that such cases are “expected” in public service.
He noted that Ligas has previously filed complaints against members of his family, including his sister, Congresswoman Emmarie “Lollypop” Ouano-Dizon, in 2024.
Ouano said he would respond formally once he receives an official copy of the complaints and would address the allegations through proper legal channels with the help of his legal team.
He also clarified that the barangay official from Cogon named in the complaint has already resigned from his post.
He expressed confidence that the allegations can be adequately answered and described the filing of cases as a “professional hazard” of public service.
“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 said. (VCL)
