Ombud orders raps vs Iloilo town mayor

MANILA — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of malversation and graft charges against the mayor and other local officials of Sara, Iloilo based on the complaints filed by their political rival, Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas Jr.

Facing criminal charges are Sara Mayor Neptali Salcedo, municipal treasurer Edna Pacrim, municipal engineer Roel Salcedo, budget officer Gregoria Golingay, bids and awards committee chairman Calixto Oliveros, BAC secretariat head Elizabeth Tan, BAC member Marilou Balasabas, general services officer Marcelino Abellar, accountant Edgar Beatingo and private individual Luis Ybiernas.

The local officials, save for Neptali Salcedo, were also ordered suspended or dismissed for the various alleged offenses, according to the Ombudsman’s office. The Sara officials were accused of coming up with questionable payrolls, awarding a contract to an unqualified supplier and overpaying for road works and suppliers. /INQUIRER