Ex-Iloilo mayor faces graft raps

 MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to indict a former mayor of Iloilo over the delayed remittance of premium contributions and loan payments to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and Pag-IBIG Fund. 

In a 15-page decision signed by graft investigation prosecution officer IV Kristine Suzanne Fineza and approved by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on Tuesday,  former San Enrique town mayor Rosario Fernandez and municipal treasurer Imelda Celebrar will be charged with 16 counts of violation of the GSIS Law and 11 counts for violation of the Pag-IBIG Fund Law before the Sandiganbayan. 

“Records show that the municipality was delayed in remitting the premiums to the GSIS for years 2011 and 2012. Clearly, respondent Fernandez, head of office, and respondent Celebrar, as municipal treasurer, violated Section 52(g) of Republic Act 8291,” ombudsman probers said.