Ombudsman suspends Marikina engineer and six others for “extortion”

MANILA, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the suspension of Marikina Engineer Kennedy Sueno and six other city officials for alleged extortion in the issuance of a building permit.

In a 10-page order approved by Ombudsman Samuel Martires on June 5, the anti-corruption agency ordered the Marikina government to suspend Sueno without pay.

Also suspended were Enforcement Division Chief Romeo Gutierrez Jr., Building Inspector Marlito Poquiz, Electrical Inspector Alex Copreros, Engineer Mark de Joya, Electrician Foreman Manuel Santos and Administrative Assistant Abigail Joy Santiago.

The Ombudsman said the suspension could not exceed six months and could be lifted earlier if the investigation was completed or ended.

The Ombudsman said the stay would be “immediately enforceable” regardless of any motions, appeals or petitions filed by the defendants unless Martires orders a stay.

“This office finds sufficient grounds to suspend the defendants as there is strong evidence of their guilt. Their continued presence in office could compromise the investigation,” the order said.

The Ombudsman said the stay was intended to “preserve the documents and other possible evidence that may be in the custody of the respondents.”

Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro was tasked with overseeing the implementation of the suspension of the city officials.

Administrative complaints have been filed against Sueno, Gutierrez, Poquiz, Copreros, De Joya, Santos and Santiago for serious misconduct and conduct detrimental to service.

The charges stem from a May 8 complaint filed by married couple Brian and Agnes Torres alleging bribery to expedite the processing and approval of their application for building permits and occupancy permits in August 2021.

The couple complained that they encountered “numerous obstacles” during the application process and paid P430,000 to the city engineering office staff.