Two Cebu-based boxing judges filed a complaint at the Office of the Ombudsman against Games and Amusements Board Region 7 Officer-In -Charge Jimmy Donton for refusing to renew their licenses without giving a valid reason with one of them accusing the newly-appointed official of challenging him to a fist fight.
The complaint for Usurpation of Authority, Abuse of Authority and Conduct Unbecoming of a public official were filed by veteran boxing judges Arnie Najera and Edgardo Olalo on March 8, 2022.
Donton, who was appointed as GAB 7 OIC in January, declined to comment as he was not aware of any complaint. GAB chairman Baham Mitra also declined to comment, saying he has not seen a copy of the complaint.
In his complaint, Olaolo, who said he has been a boxing judge of over 15 years, said he went to the GAB Cebu office on Feb. 15, 2022 to process the renewal of his license and that of Najera’s. After having both their papers processed and stamped for approval by Rolando Mendoza, he went to Donton’s desk upon the latter’s prodding but was surprised by the official’s hostility against him.
Olalo alleged that when Donton saw Najera’s papers were among the documents he filed, the GAB official reportedly said, “Etong kay Najera hold muna dahil maraming issues…Ikaw Mr. Olalo may mga issues ka rin eh!”
When Olalo pressed what issues Donton was referring to, the GAB official reportedly told him angrily, “In social media!”
Olalo said he asked what social media posts the GAB official was offended by and what was his reason for denying their application. However, Olalo alleged that Donton got more heated and said at one point, “No, I won’t…and I don’t have to. Hindi nga iyan a matter of right, it’s a mere privilege!”
Olalo said he maintained his calm demeanor and told the official he won’t respond to his provocations since he respect the office and his position.
“What surprised me however was his response to my statement. He said, ‘O, gust mo sa labas tayo! (If you want, let’s go outside then!).’ He then walked straight to the door and waited for me to follow him and engage in a fistfight,'” Olalo said in his affidavit.
In his complaint, Olalo said Donton’s refusal to renew his license puts the 15 years he have invested in becoming an international boxing judge accredited by international bodies like the World Boxing Organization, International Boxing Federation and the Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation at risk.
Najera said the same in his affidavit, saying his roles as boxing judge and fight supervisor under the World Boxing Foundation, OPBF-World Boxing Council and IBF is anchored on his being licensed as a judge under GAB. The two cited in their complaint that as acting OIC, Donton does not have the power to deny them their licenses and that the authority to do so lies with the Board.