Aklan gov, 16 others face graft, admin raps over Boracay neglect

Graft and administrative charges were filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday before the Office of the Ombudsman against Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores, Malay Mayor Ciceron Cawaling, and 15 other municipal officials for neglect of duty that turned the world-famous island vacation into

what President Duterte described as a “cesspool.”

Similarly charged were provincial official Penro Valentin Talabero, Vice Mayor Abram L. Sualog, Sangguniang Bayan Members Natalie Cawaling-Paderes, Jupiter Aelred Gallenero, Frolibar Bautista, Lloyd Maming, Dalidig Sumndad, Maylynn Aguirre-Graf, Danilo Delos Santos, and Dante Pagsuguiron; Licensing Officer III Jen Salsona, Menro Edgardo Sancho, and Punong Barangays Hector Casidsid of Barangay Yapak, Chona Gabay of Barangay Manoc-Manoc, and Lilibeth Sacapano of Barangay Balabag.

DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III said Milaflores has "general supervision over all component cities and municipalities in the province of Aklan" and failed in his job when he allowed the proliferation of illegal establishments.

The DILG sought the preventive suspension of the said officials for reportedly causing undue injury to the government and administratively liable for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, conduct unbecoming of public officials and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The said local officials reportedly failed to manage the cleanliness of Boracay sland and issued business permits to Boracay establishments even if many have not complied with the requisite Fire Safety and Business Code.

Densing III said the charges filed do not include the alleged anomalous transaction involving the collection of environmental fees in Boracay in the last five years.

He said the DILG is just awaiting the result of a special audit by the Commission on Audit (COA) of the environmental fees to determine if another set of charges will be filed.

“This is just the first tranche. We are talking about administrative and criminal charges against incumbent officials,’’ Densing said.

A LOAD OF DOCUMENTS – Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Epimaco Densing bring with him to the Office of the Ombudsman a cartload of documents as he filed graft charges Wednesday against 17 Aklan officials allegedly involved in the environmental damage in Boracay island which led to its closure to tourists. (Mark Balmores)