Minglanilla Officials Face One-Year Suspension Over Permit Controversy
In a significant development, Minglanilla Mayor Rajiv Enad, Vice Mayor Elanito Pena, and ten city councilors have been suspended for one year following an administrative case. The suspension stems from allegations related to the non-issuance of a permit to a private company, with concerns over ground cracks and potential landslide risks in Barangay Guindarohan.
Details of the Suspension Order
The suspension order was issued by the Office of the Ombudsman and served at the Minglanilla Municipality on Monday, February 2, 2026. Alongside Mayor Enad and Vice Mayor Pena, the affected councilors include Jay-R Dela Calzada, Jongjong Adlawan Jr., Jesus Boyet Velez, Jerry Cañares, Jimmy Caumeran, Jenny Young, Jenifer Lariosa, Prose Laput, Petronilo Traya, and Rick Ryan Zafra. This penalty is a result of a complaint filed by a businessman, alleging unjustified denial of business and other permits for their company.
Reasons Behind the Permit Denial
According to sources, Mayor Enad refused to issue the permit due to observed ground cracks in Barangay Guindarohan, which were deemed to pose a risk of landslides to nearby residents. Vice Mayor Pena, in an interview with SuperBalita Cebu, emphasized that the project was not approved because of the danger associated with the expanding cracks in the area. The suspension order comes just days after reports surfaced that the mayor also opposed waste disposal from Cebu City in Minglanilla, though officials clarified that this is a separate issue from the current permit case.
Legal and Administrative Implications
The suspension is based on violations of Section 3 (0) of Republic Act 3019, also known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The complaint was filed by Josue Lapitan, owner of the Jomara Group of Companies, which includes Jomara Konstruct Corporation, Jomara Agrifoods and Supply Corporation, and Mega Pacific Landfill Resources Corporation. Mayor Enad had previously highlighted ground cracks at Lapitan's properties in Sityo Napo, Barangay Guindarohan, noting their proximity to residential areas. The local government had recommended relocating the company to a safer site.
Additional Complaints and Official Response
Further complicating the matter, residents of Barangay Manduang have lodged complaints against the landfill business, citing observed discoloration in a river previously used as a water source. In response to the suspension, Mayor Enad stated that he respects the Office of the Ombudsman and institutional processes but has initiated legal remedies against the case. "I respect the Office of the Ombudsman and the processes of our institutions," Enad added, underscoring his commitment to due process while challenging the decision.
Interim Leadership and Vacancies
During the suspension period, First Councilor Lheslen Enad will serve as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Mayor, while Councilor Mulot Laput will assume the role of Vice Mayor. All councilor positions will remain vacant for the entire year unless specific rules or mandates are issued to fill these roles, ensuring continuity in local governance amid the administrative upheaval.
