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TACLOBAN CITY – A municipal mayor in Leyte ordered dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman for dishonesty changed his mind against seeking reelection.
Mayor Ramon Oñate of Palompon town in Leyte initially filed his COC for a second term but later withdrew it.
He let his 25-year-old daughter, Mary Dominique Oñate, to run in his place.
Oñate was one of the nine officials of Palompon who were ordered dismissed from the service by the Ombudsman that found them guilty of grave misconduct and serious dishonesty for purchasing fuel, oil and lubricants worth about P57,000 for three unserviceable vehicles in 2021.
READ: Ombudsman suspends Palompon, Leyte Mayor Oñate
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They were also deemed perpetually disqualified from holding public service.
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The decision stemmed from the complaint filed against Oñate when he was still vice mayor of Palompon. Oñate was elected mayor in 2022 and had plans to seek reelection.
READ: Palompon mayor told to cease operation of Sky Garden
Mary Dominique acknowledged that her candidacy was driven by what her family viewed as “political persecution” against her father.
“I never wanted this,” she confessed. “But sometimes, life calls us to fight battles we didn’t plan for. My father’s work in Palompon is not done, and I will see to it that his legacy is honored, not tarnished by those who owe him their very positions.”
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