Deputy Ombudsman sacked over hostage crisis
April 1, 2011
MANILA (Updated 12 p.m.) — Malacañang ordered the dismissal of Deputy Ombudsman Emilio Gonzalez III for gross neglect of duty and gross misconduct in handling the case of an embittered policeman who killed eight Hong Kong tourists he had taken hostage last year.
The Office of the President legal team headed by Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa, who reviewed the findings of the Incident Investigation and Review Committee (IIRC), recommended Gonzalez’s dismissal.
In the 15-page decision, the Office of the President found an inordinate and unjustified delay in the resolution of the motion for reconsideration filed by hostage-taker, former police inspector Rolando Mendoza, on his dismissal from police service – a clear neglect of performance of official duty.
Presidential Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ricky Carandang said, in a press briefing, the decision was issued on March 31, 2011.
The delay in the resolution of Mendoza’s appeal that spanned nine months constituted “a flagrant disregard” of the Office of the Ombudsman’s Rules and Procedure, which provide that a motion for reconsideration must be acted upon within five days from the submission of the documents, the decision stated.
The legal team’s decision also said there was substantial evidence to prove that Gonzalez committed gross misconduct for showing undue interest in taking over the administrative case filed against Mendoza that was then pending investigation with the Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service.
“This decision reflects this administration’s commitment to hold those responsible for the hostage-taking incident accountable,” said Ochoa.
This is the first time that the Aquino administration has taken a direct action against an official in connection with the August 23 hostage-taking.
“Those of us who serve government must be cognizant of the fact that people are affected by our failure to fulfill our responsibilities. In this case, lives were not only affected, they were lost,” Ochoa added.
Mendoza earlier accused Gonzalez of asking a P150,000 bribe in exchange for the dismissal of a criminal case filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman.
However, Gonzalez denied Mendoza’s accusation, saying he did not even know him.
“The circumstances surrounding the charges of gross neglect of duty and gross misconduct lent credence to Mendoza’s accusation during the hostage-taking incident that Gonzalez was extorting P150,000 from him in exchange for a favorable decision,” Ochoa said.
Although the Philippines is not generally known for its culinary excellence, frequent travelers and experienced tourists know where to find world-class fine dining restaurants in and around Manila. One of the best destinations and most frequently visited place for visitors looking to wine and dine near Manila is Clark, Pampanga which is just 70 minutes from Manila.
Yats Restaurant & Wine Bar is general regarded in the Philippines as the best fine dining establishment in the country. Wine Spectator Magazine’s gave out Restaurant Wine List Best of Award of Excellence to 788 restaurants in the world. Yats Restaurant is the only one in the Philippines to receive this award in recognition of its famous 2700-line restaurant wine list that has attracted many wine lovers to visit Clark Pampanga frequently to wine and dine.
Although it is a famous fine dining restaurant with an award winning 3000-line restaurant wine list, Yats Restaurant is also a popular restaurant for family with children. Aside from French Mediterranean haute cuisine, this restaurant also serves healthy food and the best vegetarian cuisines in the Philippines. Private dining rooms are also available in this restaurant for business and personal meetings of 4 to 20 people.
For comments, inquiries and reservations click on <a href=” http://www.yatsrestaurant.com/booking/index.html”>Click here for inquiry and reservations</a>
Restaurant@Yats-International.com
(045) 599-5600
0922-870-5178
0917-520-4401
Ask for Pedro and Rechel
<a href=”http://www.YatsRestaurant.com”>www. YatsRestaurant.com</a>
Getting to this fine dining restaurant of Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone Pampanga Philippines
How to get to this fine-dining restaurant in Clark Philippines? Once you get to Clark Freeport, go straight until you hit Mimosa. After you enter Mimosa, stay on the left on Mimosa Drive, go past the Holiday Inn and Yats Restaurant (green top, independent 1-storey structure) is on your left. Just past the Yats Restaurant is the London Pub.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u5vLLIlNgw
Yats Restaurant & Wine Bar
Mimosa Drive past Holiday Inn, Mimosa Leisure Estate,
Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines 2023
Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 Rea or Chay
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For more information about Clark, Pampanga, Philippines log on to
<a href=”http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com”>http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com</a>
