Camiguin officials file perjury raps over ‘Smart Tourism Ordinance’

THE provincial government of Camiguin has filed perjury charges against Paul Rodriguez, accusing him of lying in statements related to his legal challenge of the province’s “Smart Tourism Ordinance.”

A 16-page resolution from the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Mambajao, obtained by paper on January 17, details the complaint filed by Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo, Rodin Romualdo, and seven other provincial board members.

The charges allege that Rodriguez violated Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by RA 119594, which penalizes false testimony or perjury.

The complaint centers on Rodriguez’ claim that Ordinance No. 2024-21, titled “Established, Implement and Promote Smart Tourism in the Province of Camiguin,” was not published in a newspaper.

This ordinance, also known as the “Camiguin Smart Tourism Ordinance,” aims to enhance local tourism through digital and smart solutions.

Rodriguez filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition before the Regional Trial Court Branch 28 in Mambajao on July 19, last year, citing the alleged lack of publication.

However, the complainants presented evidence showing the ordinance was published in the Mindanao Daily Newspaper, a Cagayan de Oro-based publication, on May 16, 23, and 30, 2024, meeting the three-week publication requirement under the Local Government Code of 1991.

In a separate legal maneuver on December 3, 2024, Rodriguez sought to transfer the case to another prosecutor’s office, alleging bias due to financial support provided by the Camiguin local government to the prosecutor’s office.

However, the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office denied this claim, stating on page seven of the resolution that it operates independently of the local government and fulfills its mandate regardless of local government funding.

The resolution concluded that all elements of perjury were present, citing a prima facie case against Rodriguez.

“We are convinced that complainants have sufficiently established a prima facie case with reasonable certainty of conviction against the respondent,” page 14 of the resolution reads in part.

The decision referenced the Department of Justice’s 2024 National Prosecution Service Rules in Preliminary Investigation and Inquest Proceedings, further supporting the charges.

Rodriguez and his camp have yet to release an official statement on the matter.