Sandigan suspends DOT exec for nepotism

The Sandiganbayan Fourth Division has ordered the 90-day suspension of Tourism Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Ilagan- Martinez who is facing allegations of nepotism.

In its resolution released last Monday, the graft court directed Martinez to “cease and desist” from performing and exercising the functions and duties at the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Apart from this, the Fourth Division said that Martinez will also stop receiving salaries, benefits, and privileges as Tourism Undersecretary as well as any other position she is currently and will be holding.

The fourth Division has directed Tourism Secretary to enforce the 90-day suspension order against Martinez and to inform the court within five days of the action his office took.

Martinez has been charged of violating Section 3(e) of the Anti- Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019) that is docketed under SB- 12CRM-0011.

Martinez was accused of nepotism when she appointed her brother, Manuel Ilagan, to a vacant post at the DOT Overseas Field Office in 1999 following a screening of applicants that she herself participated in.

Signed by Fourth Division Chairperson Jose Hernandez and Associate Justices Alex Quiroz and Maria Cristina Cornejo, the court resolution affirmed with finality its earlier resolution dated June 25, 2014 and turned down the motion for reconsideration of Martinez.