DILG serves dismissal order on Malay mayor, licensing exec over Boracay woes

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday served a dismissal order on Malay, Aklan Mayor Cicero Cawaling after the Ombudsman found him guilty of gross neglect of duty and other offenses in connection with Boracay's environmental problems.

The country's premiere resort island was shut down for several months in 2018 after President Rodrigo Duterte called it a cesspool and ordered its rehabilitation before tourists could return.

Malay’s licensing officer Jen Salsona was also served a dismissal order for gross neglect of duty, conduct unbecoming a public official and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service.

DILG Regional Director Ariel Iglesia of DILG Western Visayas served the Ombudsman dismissal order against Cawaling by posting it at the Mayor’s office. The order was also received by the Business Permits and Licensing Office.

The Ombudsman, according to the DILG, found substantial evidence against the two considering that during their incumbency as local government officials some establishments operated without the requisite fire safety inspection certificate and some did not even possess the necessary permits.

Some of the businesses encroached upon the 25+5 meter easement and violated Malay Municipal Ordinance No. 2000-131.

“By not implementing this Ordinance, Cawaling violated Section 444 (b) (2) of Republic Act 7160, which commands him to enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the governance of the Municipality of Malay,” the Ombudsman said.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said the dismissal order on Cawaling and Salsona comes with forfeiture of retirement benefits (except accrued leave credits) and perpetual disqualification for re-employment in the government service.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires signed the decision on April 22 and was received by the DILG on the same day.

The case against Cawaling and Salsona stemmed from the administrative complaint filed by the DILG against 18 local government officials based on the findings of the Boracay Investigating Team (BIT). —NB, GMA News