CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — A former municipal mayor in Cavite and his brother have been dismissed from their posts for the second time by the Office of the Ombudsman.
Former Silang mayor Alston Kevin Anarna and his brother, former municipal administrator and bids and awards committee (BAC) chairman Nathaniel Anarna Jr., have been found guilty of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The charges against the Anarnas stemmed from a complaint filed by Silang Mayor Edward Carranza, former vice mayor Mark Anthony Toledo and councilor Perpetuo Desingaño.
Aside from dismissal, the ombudsman canceled the eligibility and forfeited the retirement benefits of the Anarnas as well as disqualified them from holding any public post.
The ombudsman dismissed the charges of nepotism filed against the respondents for lack of merit.
In an 18-page ruling issued on June 25 and received by the office of Carranza on Friday, the ombudsman said Anarna Jr. was not qualified to hold the position and that his designation undermined the public’s faith and confidence in the local government.
“Despite the glaring want of qualification, Alston designated Nathaniel to head the BAC, compromising the principles of transparency and accountability,” the ruling read.
Since the Anarnas have already been out of government service due to their disqualification in 2024, the second dismissal will be converted into a fine equivalent to their one-year salary, payable to the ombudsman.
State prosecutors said the penalty of perpetual disqualification from public service is not symbolic. It said public officials remain accountable for misconduct committed while in office even after leaving the service.
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