Mandaue City Mayor Jonkie Ouano Faces Anti-Graft Complaint Before Ombudsman
A formal complaint alleging violations of Republic Act 3019, also known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, has been lodged against Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano before the Office of the Ombudsman. The complaint, filed on January 23, 2026, by Mandaue City resident Edward Ligas, includes serious allegations of unlawful appointment and grave misconduct targeting Mayor Ouano and Ian Negrido Arioja, a councilor of Barangay Cogon in Compostela.
Details of the Allegations
In the complaint, Ligas claims that Arioja and another Cogon barangay councilor, Renee Lyn De Guzman, were allegedly receiving salaries from the Mandaue City Government without proper authorization. Furthermore, Ligas has sought the preventive suspension of Mayor Ouano while the Ombudsman conducts its investigation into these matters. The filing highlights ongoing scrutiny over governance practices in the city.
Mayor Ouano’s Response and Legal Stance
In response to the complaint, Mayor Ouano stated on Friday, January 23, 2026, that he is prepared to face the allegations but cannot comment on the merits of the case until he receives an official copy of the complaint. “I will refer this matter to my legal team. I am confident that we have not violated any law or regulation,” Ouano emphasized. He pointed out that, based on advice from the city legal office, there is no employee-employer relationship under a contract of service arrangement, among other legal defenses.
Ouano expressed confidence that the City Government acted within legal bounds and that the allegations can be adequately addressed before the proper court and the Ombudsman. He described the filing of complaints as an expected part of holding public office, noting, “This is part of the professional hazard of my desire to serve Mandaue City to the best of my ability.” He added that public servants must be ready to respond to such cases through proper legal processes.
Background and Context of the Complaint
Mayor Ouano revealed that the complainant, Edward Ligas, is not unfamiliar to him, as Ligas had previously filed a case involving his sister, Mandaue City Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon. Ouano mentioned that he and his team had been informed as early as last year that a complaint might be filed, indicating they were prepared for such developments. “We were already informed that someone might file a case, and this had even been discussed last year regarding a possible filing with the Office of the Ombudsman,” he said.
Addressing the specific allegations about employment relationships, Ouano reiterated that those involved were engaged as consultants and not as regular employees of the city government. “There is no employer-employee relationship because they are consultants,” he stated, adding that he would consult his legal team thoroughly before making any final decisions or statements. He acknowledged Ligas’s right to file a complaint, saying, “That is his right. We will simply respond properly and confidently to all the allegations.”
Current Status and Next Steps
The Office of the Ombudsman in Central Visayas has yet to issue an official statement regarding the complaint, leaving the investigation in its preliminary stages. As the legal proceedings unfold, this case underscores the challenges faced by public officials in the Philippines and the importance of transparency and accountability in local governance. The outcome could have significant implications for Mandaue City’s political landscape and anti-corruption efforts in the region.
