CA dismisses So. Cotabato agriculturist's motion

KORONADAL CITY - The Court of Appeals has shut down doors for former South Cotabato provincial agriculturist Reynaldo Legaste.Legaste was found guilty by the Ombudsmanof charges of sexual harassment against a beneficiary of the Special Employment for Students Program in 2008.In a 10-page decision written by CAAssociate Justice Edgardo Camello, the court of appeals saidforum shopping led to the dismissal ofLegaste's appeal.Legaste's camp alsoappealed to the Office of the Ombudsman while his another appeal was pending before the CA.Legaste was earlier ordered dismissed from service by the Ombudsman.His camp filed a motion for reconsideration withthe Ombudsman on the dismissal decision onMay 14, 2013. Three days later, Legaste's camp also forwarded an appeal before the CA.The Ombudsman listened to Legaste's appeal and handed down a decision meting eight months suspension instead of dismissal from service.After the Ombudsman's decision, Legaste's camp immediately filed motion to withdraw with the CA.CA directed Legaste's camp to submit an explanation within 15 dayswhy he should not be charged with direct contempt for violating the rule of forum shopping.