Davao Sur mayor indicted for usurpation of powers

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman has indicted a municipal mayor in Davao del Sur for alleged unlawful performance of duties.

In a case filed before the San-diganbayan on Nov. 25, anti-graft investigators said Matanao Mayor Vicente Fernandez was charged of usurpation of official function as provided under the Revised Penal Code.

Records showed that in January 2015, Fernandez issued several memoranda, appropriation ordinances, business permits and appointment papers as well as signed several checks and disbursement vouchers despite being in detention in connection with the killing of a journalist.

The ombudsman said Fernandez usurped the authority of then vice mayor Elmer Javelona, who was the acting mayor as provided under the Local Government Code.

The ombudsman set bail at P10,000.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Javelona before the ombudsman in February 2015.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales approved the filing of the case against Fernandez in October last year but it was only recently that it was elevated to the Sandiganbayan.