Ombudsman suspends Cebu Port GM

Cebu Port Authority general manager Francisco Comendador III was hit with a six-month suspension by the Ombudsman stemming from his alleged violation of a CPA guidelines.

In the Office of the Ombudsman’s order signed by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla last 20 August, the anti-graft body said that it had found the evidence provided in the complaint of the Oriental Port and Allied Services Corporation (OPASCOR) against Comendador as “strong,” warranting the suspension.

OPASCOR had sought for the CPA chief to be charged with gross neglect of duty and grave misconduct, which could have the official permanently dismissed from government service.

The particular guideline that the complainants said was violated was CPA Administrative Order No. 02-2010 which provides restrictions when it comes to how private ports within the jurisdiction of the governing body are managed.

1OPASCOR accused Comendador of allowing shipping vessels to dock at the Cebu South Harbor and Container Terminal Corporation despite the order indicating that private commercial ports could only be utilized in specific circumstances.

In a post on its Facebook page, the CPA issued the general manager’s statement on the order.

“I will abide by the directive. I am currently consulting with my legal counsel to determine the appropriate legal remedies available to me,” Commendador said.

While noting that the order was immediately executory, the Ombudsman said that the suspension was not a determination in so far as the merits of the case are concerned.