DAVAO CITY, Philippines — A barangay captain in Davao City’s Talomo District has been suspended for one year without pay following an administrative decision by the Office of the Ombudsman–Mindanao finding him guilty of grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.
Barangay Baliok Captain Ricky Escudero Liparanon was ordered to immediately cease performing and exercising the functions, duties and responsibilities of barangay captain following the implementation of the Ombudsman decision.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in a memorandum dated September 15, 2026, directed Liparanon to comply with the suspension order and vacate the exercise of his official functions for the duration of the penalty.
The mayor’s directive cited the August 17, 2026 decision of the Office of the Ombudsman–Mindanao in Case No. OMB-M-A-JUL-25-0295, identified as Antonio Avanzado Tinasas, et al. vs. Ricky Escudero Liparanon.
According to the decision cited in the memorandum, the Ombudsman found Liparanon guilty of grave misconduct and serious dishonesty and imposed a penalty of one year’s suspension from office without pay.
The Ombudsman ordered the penalty implemented within 10 days from receipt of the decision. Mayor Duterte’s memorandum, meanwhile, directed the immediate implementation of the suspension upon Liparanon’s receipt of the order, with the suspension to remain effective for one year.
First Barangay Kagawad Assumes Post
Following the implementation of the suspension, First Barangay Kagawad Antonio Avanzado Tinasas has reportedly assumed the functions of Punong Barangay of Baliok.
The development is in line with the administrative arrangements governing the temporary performance of barangay functions when an incumbent punong barangay is unable to perform the duties of the office.
The suspension means Liparanon is barred from performing the official functions and responsibilities attached to the position throughout the one-year period and will not receive his salary during the suspension.
Administrative Case Filed by Barangay Officials
The Ombudsman case stemmed from a complaint filed by several barangay officials against Liparanon. The case records identified Tinasas and other complainants as parties in the administrative proceedings.
The Ombudsman’s ruling specifically cited grave misconduct and serious dishonesty as the offenses for which Liparanon was held administratively liable.
The suspension is an administrative penalty and is separate from any criminal proceeding that may arise from the same or related circumstances. The Ombudsman’s administrative finding should therefore be distinguished from a criminal conviction unless a separate criminal case and judgment exists.
Liparanon is the incumbent barangay captain of Baliok, a barangay in Davao City’s 1st District.
He also ran for city councilor in the district during the 2025 elections, but was not elected.
Suspension Takes Immediate Effect
The one-year suspension is now being implemented by the city government following Mayor Duterte’s September 15 memorandum.
With Tinasas assuming the functions of barangay captain, the local administration of Baliok will continue under temporary leadership while Liparanon serves the suspension imposed by the Ombudsman.
The circumstances surrounding the administrative case, including the specific acts and allegations that led to the Ombudsman’s findings, should be understood based on the official case decision and records.
The Mindanao Sentinel has sought to obtain Liparanon’s side regarding the suspension and the Ombudsman ruling. His response was not immediately available at the time of publication.
Any statement or explanation from Liparanon or his legal representatives will be reported separately once officially received.