Ombudsman indicts ex-mayor for failing to put businesses in SALN

BACOLOD CITY-The Office of the Ombudsman has indicted a former municipal mayor for failing to disclose his two business interests in his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) from 2007 to 2010.

But former mayor Francisco Nazareno of Moises Padilla town claimed he was innocent, saying it was his secretary who filled up his SALNs.

In a decision, the Ombudsman found probable cause to file charges against Nazareno for violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713) and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019).

The Ombudsman’s Field Investigation Unit in Iloilo City found that Nazareno failed to disclose two business interests in his SALNs from 2007 to 2010. Records show that JF Merchandise was registered under Nazareno’s name while Juco Enterprises was registered under his wife’s name, the Ombudsman’s statement added.

Nazareno served two terms as mayor from 2007 to 2013.

When reached for comment, Nazareno said he had yet to receive a copy of the Ombudsman’s decision.

But he maintained that he didn’t commit any corruption while in office, saying he even used his own money to support the needs of his town.

The Ombudsman also found that during his incumbency, Nazareno approved the mayor’s permit of JF Merchandise and Juco Enterprise in violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the statement said.

Under Section 8 of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, public officials and employees have an obligation to accomplish and submit declarations under oath of, and the public has the right to know, their assets, liabilities, net worth, and financial and business interests including those of their spouses and unmarried children 18 years of old living in their households, the statement said.

Meanwhile, Section 3(h) of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act prohibits public officials from directly or indirectly having financing or pecuniary interest in any business, contract or transaction in connection with which he intervenes or takes part in his official capacity, or in which he is prohibited by the Constitution or by any law from having any interest, it added.