Maguindanao vice governor indicted over SALN

MANILA, Philippines — Maguindanao Vice Gov. Lester Sinsuat is facing charges for his alleged failure to declare two real properties in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) in 2011 and 2012 when he was mayor of Datu Odin Sinsuat town.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed two counts of perjury against Sinsuat before the Sandiganbayan on Nov. 7.

Based on the complaints, Sinsuat failed to declare ownership of a parcel of land in Barangay Awang in 2011 and another real property in Barangay Capiton.

The ombudsman said Sinsuat’s “willful” omission of the real properties in his SALNs violated Section 7 of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Section 8 of RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Both laws mandate public officials and employees to disclose in their SALNs all their assets, liabilities and net worth as well as their financial and business interests as of Dec. 31 of every year, including those of their spouse and unmarried children under 18 years living in their household.

The court recommended bail of P12,000.

In October 2016, the ombudsman suspended Sinsuat for six months after he was found guilty of negligence also in connection with violations in his SALNs.

The court said Sinsuat  failed to declare five parcels of agricultural land, two commercial properties and a residential lot in his SALNs for 2007, 2008, 2011 and 2012.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales ordered the filing of four counts of perjury against Sinsuat.