Ombudsman to file graft raps vs. Batad, Iloilo mayor

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of graft charges against the mayor of Batad, Iloilo for allegedly approving permits of his wife's business.

In its resolution, the Ombudsman charged Mayor Pedro Alarcon with four counts of violation of Section 3(h) of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Records recovered by the Ombudsman showed that Alarcon approved the issuance of the business permits of Batad Ice Plant on February 2011, March 2011, February 2012 and February 2013.

Batad Ice Plant is owned by the mayor's wife, Elvira.

Under the law, a public official is prohibited from having business or "pecuniary interests," whether directly or indirectly, with which he intervenes or takes part in his official capacity. —KG, GMA News