Ombudsman indicts ex-Sorsogon mayor for withholding leave benefits

A former mayor of Bulan, Sorsogon has been indicted at the Sandiganbayan for allegedly withholding an employee's terminal leave benefits worth P846,043.85 without justifiable basis.

Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer II Eleanor Saguil Payao charged former Mayor Marnellie Ballesteros Robles for one count of violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Robles is accused of depriving incumbent Mayor Helen De Castro of her terminal leave benefits comprising the monetary conversion of her accrued leaves between August 30, 2013 to February 2, 2015.

Robles, according to the prosecution, "willfully and deliberately" caused undue injury to De Castro when she failed to act on the application for payment of terminal leave benefits of the employee.

A P30,000 bail bond has been recommended in the case.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires approved the indictment of Robles on January 29.  —LBG, GMA News