Ombudsman vows to protect IP rights after suspending Puerto Princesa exec
The Philippine Ombudsman has suspended a Puerto Princesa environmental official for one year for bypassing mandatory indigenous consultations during a river dredging project. The ruling reinforces the legal protections afforded to indigenous communities under the IPRA law.
Why it matters
It underscores the enforcement of indigenous rights against government administrative overreach in environmental projects.
MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman reaffirmed its commitment to safeguard the rights of indigenous cultural communities against unlawful and improper government operations, following a ruling that penalized a Puerto Princesa City environmental official for bypassing required indigenous clearances in a river dredging project.
In a statement on October 7, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla cited the agency's decision finding Carlo Benitez Gomez, Department Head II of the Puerto Princesa City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), administratively liable for Conduct Unbecoming of a Public Officer.
Gomez was meted a penalty of one-year suspension without pay.
Should the suspension no longer be enforceable due to separation from service, the penalty will be converted into a fine equivalent to six months of his salary.
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