Ex-Davao Oriental mayor faces raps over alleged failure to file SALNs

A former mayor of Lupon, Davao Oriental is facing criminal charges before the Sandiganbayan over his alleged failure to file his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) from 2007 to 2009.

The Ombudsman has charged ex-Lupon mayor Arfran Quiñones of three counts of violation of Section 8(a) of Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officers and Employees. 

The concerned provision mandates all public officials to file their SALNs under oath within 30 days after assumption of office or on or before April 30 of every year thereafter.

An investigation by the Ombudsman showed that Quiñones failed to file his SALN for the period in question, during which he served as an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Bayan of Lupon.

He also failed to controvert the findings that his SALNs were not recorded at the local government’s Human Resource Management Office (HRMO).

In its resolution, the Ombudsman said it was Quiñones’ “responsibility and lookout” to ensure the preparation of his SALN and its subsequent submission to the proper office tasked to submit the document to the anti-graft body. — Xianne Arcangel/RSJ, GMA News