Eastern Samar mayor, 2 others dismissed for grave misconduct

Office of the Ombudsman. PHOTO FROM https://www.ombudsman.gov.ph/

MANILA, Philippines—The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed from public service Mayor Candida Gabornes of Lawaan, Eastern Samar, and two other local officials for grave misconduct.

Gabornes, together with Municipal Accountant Pedro Gabornes and Municipal Treasurer Ruben Baet, were also prohibited from holding public office and for taking the Bar and Civil Service examinations. Their benefits were also forfeited.

Aside from that, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales also approved the filing of criminal case against the three for illegally using public funds to reimburse repair and maintenance expenses for the mayor’s personal vehicle.

They are facing two counts of malversation through falsification of public documents and two counts of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019).

Investigation showed that public funds worth P41,801.14 was used in 2012 to pay for the emergency purchase of spare parts and tires for a Mitsubishi Montero owned by Gabornes.

“As high-ranking responsible officers they ought to know and as a matter of fact are presumed to know the applicable law, rules and regulations pertinent to the discharge of their respective official duties and responsibilities,” the decision of the Ombudsman read.