In Bohol, mayor suspended for hiring losing bets

TAGBILARAN CITY—The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the three-month suspension of a town mayor for appointing four defeated candidates less than a year after losing in the elections.

Mayor Leonila Paredes-Montero of Panglao town in Bohol province was found guilty of simple misconduct in a decision released by the Ombudsman on Tuesday.

In July 2013, Montero appointed four losing candidates in that year’s elections as consultants.

They were hired on a job order basis without executing any contract of service or issuance of any appointment paper duly reviewed and approved by the town council, the Ombudsman said. —LEO UDTOHAN