Ombudsman orders DILG to collect fine from Oñate

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to collect a fine from dismissed Palompon Mayor Ramon Oñate. The fine equals six months of his salary. This decision follows complaints against Oñate for various misconducts, including abuse of authority. The Ombudsman found substantial evidence against him, while the case against his co-respondent was dismissed due to lack of evidence. The Ombudsman emphasized that any motion for reconsideration does not delay the implementation of their orders. DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla has been instructed to report compliance within five days.