TACLOBAN CITY – The Ombudsman has ordered a newly elected mayor suspended for six months without pay for allegedly falsifying a certificate of marriage by making it appear that she solemnized it.
Mayor Fe Renomeron of Burauen, Leyte was administratively charged with Grave Misconduct, Serious Dishonesty, and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of Service when she made it appear that she solemnized a marriage on December 10, 2014 but did not appear during the ceremony.
The complainants argued that Renomeron only sent a representative to have them sign the marriage certificate together with the witnesses. Such acts allegedly violate Article 3 of the Family Code, which requires that a marriage ceremony take place in the presence of the solemnizing officer and the contracting parties’ personal declaration that they take each other as husband and wife in the presence of not less than two witnesses.
Article 4 further states that any party who committed irregularity in the formal requisites of marriage such as the conduct of a wedding ceremony could be held civilly, criminally, and administratively liable.
On the other hand, Renomeron presented documents that she solemnized the marriage, banked on the presumption of regularity in the performance of official duties, and noted the recantation of the witnesses.
However, the Ombudsman, in its July 12, 2025 decision found that the respondent’s act or omission has tarnished the integrity of her office, and has committed Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of Service.
In her statement, Renomeron claimed that the case is politically motivated since it has been initiated by the son of her political opponent, adding, “I understand that such accusations can cause concern, and I want to assure you that I have full faith in the legal process. I will address these allegations thoroughly and appropriately within the established legal framework. The truth, as it always does, will prevail through the proper legal channels.” (By Marie Tonette Marticio / EV Mail JULY 21-27, 2025 issue)
