ALAMADA, COTABATO — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of Alamada Mayor Jesus “Susing” Sacdalan and 15 other local officials after finding substantial evidence to hold them liable for Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service over the controversial approval of a hydropower project inside a protected watershed.
In a resolution released by the Ombudsman, Sacdalan was found to have violated environmental and administrative laws when he allegedly issued permits and clearances allowing the construction of a hydropower plant within the Libungan River Watershed Forest Reserve (LRWFR) — a declared protected area.
The investigation stemmed from a complaint filed by Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza, who accused Sacdalan of improperly approving the project in favor of Euro Hydro Power (Asia) Holdings, Inc. (EHPAHI) despite strict environmental restrictions.
Mendoza earlier stressed that as a member of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), Sacdalan approved three resolutions that gave the company access to the watershed — actions she said blatantly disregarded environmental protection laws.
Heavy Penalties Imposed
The Ombudsman ordered Sacdalan and the following barangay officials dismissed from service:
Sulpicio Polayagan Bona, Nelson Bedaño Palomero, Carmen Laude Ostan, Ruben Fernandez Bandiola, Wilmar Lleagas Robles, Antonio Cabaya Camino Sr., Rey Serot Dela Cruz, Joey Asis Obenza, Rebecca Mahinay Villarta, Yhasser Nenka Arat, Alfredo Chicano Magbanua Sr., George B. Batomalaque, Paucan Pagalungan Arumpac, and Sanny Pedro Pamli-ian.
The dismissal carries accessory penalties, including:
- Cancellation of eligibility
- Forfeiture of retirement benefits
- Perpetual disqualification from government service
If implementation of the dismissal is no longer possible—such as for former officials who have already left office—the penalty will instead be converted into a fine equivalent to one year’s salary, deductible from their accrued leave credits or other government receivables. However, all accessory penalties will still apply.
Other Charges Dismissed
While the officials were found liable for Grave Misconduct, the Ombudsman dismissed the charge of Grave Abuse of Authority for lack of substantial evidence.
Cases against other respondents—Jose Romel Basco Dearos, Rodnie Perez Primne, Rey Lobaton Aspacio, Rodin Legada Seva, Julie Gealon Doronila, and Felix Sagomez Alicer—were likewise dismissed.
Environmental Laws Cannot Be Ignored — Mendoza
The governor emphasized that although hydropower is a renewable energy source, projects of such scale must strictly follow environmental rules, especially inside ecologically critical areas like the LRWFR.
“These laws protect watersheds and habitats that support communities. Renewable energy is important, but the rule of law and environmental protection must prevail,” Mendoza said in her earlier statement.
Officials May Appeal
Mayor Sacdalan and the affected barangay captains are expected to appeal the Ombudsman’s decision.
The case is a major development following the initial filing last August, where Sacdalan and several barangay officials were first accused of approving a project that allegedly jeopardized one of North Cotabato’s most important protected areas.
As the Ombudsman’s order now stands, the ruling marks one of the most significant environmental accountability cases in Region 12 in recent years.