PUBLIC office is public trust, says the provincial board following the issuance of a guilty verdict against two incumbent Angono councilors for having an “illicit affair.”
In a 15-page decision, Councilors Roberto Sison Jr. and Jhoana Duran were slapped with a one month suspension for violating Republic 6713, otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Ernescel Sison (wife of Councilor Sison) who claimed that her husband and Councilor Duran were having an illicit affair.
To prove her allegations, the complainant turned over evidence and testimonies of witnesses to what she described as a “glaring display of immorality.” Among the evidence submitted to the provincial board included cellphone video, verified Facebook posts, among others.
She also accused her husband of selling their conjugal properties, and depriving her kids of their “fair share” from the proceeds of a leased parcel of commercial land.
In its decision, the provincial board cited Section 60 of the Local Government Code which provides grounds for disciplinary actions against elective officials involving “turpitude.”
“Be it resolved as it is hereby resolved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Rizal that respondent Roberto Sison Jr. and respondent Jhona Duran are hereby found to have violated Section 4 of RA 6713 (Code of Conduct),” reads the verdict that was signed by Rizal Vice Gov. Reynaldo San Juan Jr., Provincial Board Secretary Atty. Roselle Andallo Ramilo and Board Secretary Marilyn Carpio.
Despite the guilty verdict, Duran was allowed to seek reelection. Sison for his part did not run for public office.