Nepotism:charged by Ex-mayor of Bulacan
Former Baliuag, Bulacan mayor Romeo Estrella is facing criminal cases before the Sandiganbayan over alleged appointment of his niece to the municipal government in 2011.
Filed by the Office of the Ombudsman on July 14, the cases against Estrella include violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; violation of Section 59 Book V of the Administrative Code of 1987; and violation of Article 171 (4) of the Revised Penal Code (RPC).
Section 3 (e) of RA 3019 prohibits public official from giving unwarranted benefit, advantage or preference to any party, while Section 59 Book V of the Administrative Code prohibits appointment made by the appointing authority or the chief of bureau or office in favor of his or her relative within the third degree of consanguinity (relationship by blood) or of affinity (relationship by marriage).
Article 171 (4) of the RPC, meanwhile, prohibits public official from making untruthful statements or narration of facts in a public document.
Based on the information of the cases, Estrella, on March 16, 2011, appointed his niece Julieta Estrella-Laguna, as the municipal government's labor general foreman in violation of the Civil Service rules against nepotism.
Graft investigation and prosecution officer Elbert Bunagan said Estrella “took advantage of his official position” when he falsified Civil Service Form No. 33 certifying that Julieta “has all the qualifications and non of the disqualifications” for the appointed position despite knowing very well that he is related to the latter by blood.
The ombudsman recommended to the Sandiganbayan to set Estrella's bail at P54,000.
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