Mabilog ordered sacked over unexplained wealth
The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog for amassing unexplained wealth.
In the 13-page decision dated August 29 but only publicly released last Thursday, the Ombudsman ordered Mabilog’s dismissal for serious dishonesty in a decision that stemmed from the complaint of former Iloilo provincial administrator Manuel Mejorada.
In his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) for fiscal year 2013, the mayor reported his net worth at R68.34 million. In comparison, his SALN for 2012 indicated a net worth of R59.35 million.
Mejorada said the increase was grossly disproportionate to Mabilog’s income as a public official. Even with his business investments, Mabilog cannot “satisfactorily explain” his purchase of 664 square meters of residential property, acquisition of new investments and increase in cash, Mejorada said
He also questioned Mabilog’s bank loan from Canada worth R21,587,615, which was reflected in his SALN in 2012 at just P21,183,600. Mejorada said the R400,000 decrease was a “ploy” to make it appear that his net worth is smaller than it really was.
In its decision written by Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer Rachel Cariaga-Favila, the Ombudsman stated that “By any standard, (Mabilog’s income) was grossly disproportionate to his legitimate income as a public official and businessman.”
Mabilog’s interests in Iloilo Happy Haus, Donut, Mega Pacific Food Services Inc. and Global Jami Motors Corporation conflict with his duties as mayor, since he is in a position to “extract favors and concessions from companies seeking to do business in Iloilo City,” the decision stated.
In his defense, Mabilog said he had various businesses before he became a politician.
He said his wife, Marivic, was comptroller and vice president for finance of an engineering firm in Canada for more than 20 years.
The Ombudsman said Mabilog did not disclose this in his SALN.
“His wife’s salary, however, cannot still explain the increase in net worth since the tax level of corporate compensation in Canada is high,” it said.
Still, the Ombudsman ruled that Mabilog failed to explain how he acquired properties the amount of which is not proportionate to his salaries and other lawful income.
“Thus, there is prima facie evidence of unexplained wealth,” the decision reads.
On the other hand, the Ombudsman dismissed Mejorada’s complaint concerning the Canada bank loan, saying he could not present any proof to substantiate his claim.
Mabilog was ordered disqualified from holding public office, his civil service eligibility was cancelled and retirement benefits forfeited.
The Ombudsman decision comes as the mayor grappled with allegations hurled by President Duterte that he is coddling a drug lord.
Duterte had also ordered a lifestyle check on Mabilog for allegedly owning a house that the President described as a “palace.”
The President said Mabilog built the house from drug money, an accusation which the mayor denied.
Mabilog has not returned to the country after attending international conferences in Japan and Malaysia late in August, and his whereabouts is unknown.
His wife and two children have also gone abroad.
Earlier this month, the Mabilog camp said the mayor and his family feared for their life following the repeated tirades from the President, who has branded him as a protector of a drug syndicate.
Mark Piad, Mabilog’s spokesman, told Manila Bulletin the legal team will appeal the Ombudsman’s decision.
Mabilog’s camp has not formally received the dismissal order, Piad said.