A town mayor is now answering to the environmental degradation popular beach island Boracay has suffered through after the Office of the Ombudsman has ruled to dismiss him.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) served the dismissal order against Malay, Aklan Mayor Cicero Cawaling yesterday, following the Office of the Ombudsman’s ruling that he is guilty of gross neglect of duty, conduct unbecoming of a public official, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, The Philippine Star reported.
Cawaling was suspended from his position in October, a day before Boracay was re-opened to the public after a 6-month closure. He was suspended by the Ombudsman following complaints against him and other officials for violations like allowing the businesses to operate without a mayor’s permit and tolerating structures built in no-build zones and beyond easement zones.
The Boracay shutdown was demanded by Philippine President Rodrigo who once called the beach a “cesspool” in a speech. It was closed to tourists in April last year in a bid to finally address the island’s garbage, sewage, and water pollution problems but it was controversial because many residents who depend on tourism lost their source of livelihood.
Cawaling’s dismissal order was posted by DILG Regional Director Ariel Iglesia at the mayor’s office, according to GMA News. The DILG received the decision on Monday, the same day it was signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires.
The dismissal means that he cannot hold other government positions and can no longer receive retirement benefits. Apart from Cawaling, Malay town’s licensing officer Jen Salsona was also ordered dismissed.
According to DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, the Ombudsman found evidence that proved the two allowed Boracay establishments to operate without the required fire safety inspection certificate and other permits, a violation of Republic Act 7160 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
