Ombudsman junks criminal, admin charges vs. Koronadal's Mayor Miguel, treasurer

KORONADAL CITY -- The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed criminal and administrative charges filed against Mayor Peter Miguel and City Treasurer Marlon Gumbao on alleged misuse of confidental intelligence fund.In a six page decision, the Ombudsman cleared Miguel and Gumbao on the charges filed by Koronadal City CouncilorRene Jumilla, a lawyer.The Ombudsman said the complaint filed by Councilor Jumilla last August 2014 was baseless, saying the P12.7 million intelligence fund was not misused and that it went through legal and transparent process in the Sangguniang Panglungsod and duly approved by the South Cotabato provincial board.It said the fund preparation and use did not violateSection 3 (e) of Republic Act3019 or Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.Jumilla also failed to substantiate his claim that the fund was used for personal purposes by the respondents.Gumbao said he will file counter charges for damages and disbarment caseagainst Jumilla.