Ombudsman Orders Six-Month Suspension for Bacolod Barangay Kagawad Over Grave Misconduct
The Office of the Ombudsman has mandated a six-month suspension without pay for Barangay 7 Kagawad Bernabe Sibug in Bacolod City, citing grave misconduct that prejudiced the best interest of public service. This disciplinary action, approved by Assistant Ombudsman for the Visayas Gaudioso Melendez on September 29, 2025, underscores the agency's commitment to upholding integrity in local governance.
Details of the Administrative Case and Dismissal of Charges Against Village Chief
In a related development, the Ombudsman dismissed the administrative charges against Barangay 7 Village Chief Hercy Sibug, who is Bernabe's wife, due to a lack of substantial evidence. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Bacolod has already served the order to the respondents, formalizing the suspension and warning that any further transgression could lead to dismissal from service.
The complaint, filed by Paolo Jarobel in September 2024, alleged that on September 26, 2024, around 11 p.m., Bernabe Sibug verbally assaulted Jarobel while he was riding his motorcycle home. According to the complainant, Bernabe shouted threats, including "I'm going to kill you," leading to a physical altercation where Bernabe allegedly struck Jarobel with a steel pipe, causing injuries. Hercy Sibug was accused of diverting Jarobel's attention during the incident.
Defense and Ombudsman's Findings in the Misconduct Case
Bernabe Sibug countered the allegations, claiming that Jarobel stopped in front of his residence and acted suspiciously by reaching into a toolbox, which he interpreted as a potential threat. He stated that he went inside to secure protection for himself and his wife and denied striking Jarobel, attributing any injuries to grappling during the confrontation.
However, the Ombudsman found substantial evidence to hold Bernabe administratively liable for conduct prejudicial to the service. The decision clarified that even if a public officer is under preventive suspension, their status remains, and misconduct that tarnishes public service integrity is still punishable. Should the suspension become unenforceable due to separation from service, it will convert to a fine equivalent to six months' salary, payable to the Ombudsman.
Previous Suspension and Broader Implications for Local Governance
This is not the first disciplinary action against the Sibugs; in 2024, both Bernabe and Hercy were suspended for three months for simple misconduct. Copies of the latest decision have been directed to key agencies, including the Commission on Audit, DILG, Civil Service Commission, and Commission on Elections (Comelec), for information and guidance, highlighting the case's significance in enforcing accountability among public officials.
As of Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Bernabe and Hercy Sibug could not be reached for comment, leaving the community to reflect on the implications of this ruling for transparency and ethics in barangay leadership.
