WHAT WENT BEFORE

In January, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales dismissed then Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron and his son from public service over the latter’s role in the city’s environmental watchdog.

The case arose from the alleged concealment of Bayron’s relation with his son when the mayor entered into a contract of service for the latter’s engagement as Bantay Puerto project manager.

The July 1, 2013, contract of service with the younger Bayron specifically stated that he was “not related within the fourth degree of consanguinity/affinity with the hiring authority.”

Morales rejected the Bayrons’ defense that there was no obligation to disclose their relationship because Karl was not considered a public officer by virtue of his “primarily confidential position.”

Bayron’s tenure as mayor of Puerto Princesa City had been controversial in the past. He weathered a May 2015 recall election mounted over alleged breach of trust, decline in tourist activities and deteriorating peace and order.

Source: Inquirer Archives