Guindulman mayor ‘Ben’ Balo. (Photo supplied)
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Heads continue to roll as more and more officials are either dismissed or opt to resign with the latest to step down is Guindulman Mayor Albino ‘Ben’ Balo who was ordered dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged irregularities in a number of municipal projects.
Mayor Balo confirmed he had received the Ombudsman’s directive for his dismissal so he has announced his resignation effective immediately.
“With all due respect to the decision of the Office of the Ombudsman, I am officially stepping down as your municipal mayor effective today,” he announced to municipal officials and employees and his constituents.
Despite the unfortunate turn of events, he gave assurance that the municipal government would continue to operate smoothly under Vice Mayor Engr. Jimmy Busano, who will assume the mayorship, while number one councilor Abigail Lagura-Gutang will become vice mayor by succession.
“You will be in good hands under Vice Mayor Engr. Jimmy Busano, who will now serve as your Mayor, and Councilor Abigail Lagura-Gutang, who will assume as Vice Mayor by law of succession. I hope you will give them the same support, respect, and love you have given me,” Balo enthused while urging Guindulman residents to extend their trust and support to the new officials.
Regarding the Ombudsman’s ruling in the case against him, the mayor maintained his innocence, insisting there was no corruption under his administration.
“Let me repeat—Ben Balo did not steal. I did not sit in office to enrich myself but to serve sincerely and honestly. We all pass through this world—what matters most is that we leave behind kindness, goodness, and love for others,” he stressed to pointed out that since his assumption as local chief executive, his intention had always been to serve Guindulman with integrity.
Based on the Ombudsman’s ruling, dated September 12, 2025, Balo and several municipal officials were found administratively liable for the questionable construction of a giant Christmas tree in 2022 and a multi-purpose billboard cell in 2023.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by resident Bernard Banal of Barangay Mayuga, who accused Balo and other officials of violating Section 4(a) of Republic Act 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), Sections 17(b) and 23 of Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991), and Republic Act 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act).
Also ordered dismissed with Balo were municipal engineer Rodney Jones Labang, former municipal engineer Ariston Beronio, municipal treasurer Jean Janiola (also known as Jean dela Peña), administrative aide II/TO-designate Dennis Theodore Besinga and administrative aide III/HRMO-designate Evelyn Hinatuan, all of whom the Ombudsman said there was substantial evidence supporting the charges filed against them.
Meanwhile, the cases against engineering aide Jun Andreo Cellacay, municipal accountant Consolacion Dela Peña, municipal budget officer Aida Mahilum and Municipal Assessor Christopher Beruan were dismissed due to lack of sufficient evidence.