Ex-Sulu governor, son charged over SALN

MANILA, Philippines — Former Sulu governor Abdusakur Tan Sr. and his son, Maimbung Mayor Samier Tan, are facing criminal charges before the Sandiganbayan for their alleged failure to submit their statements of assets, liabilities and networth (SALN).

The older Tan was charged by the Office of the Ombudsman with five counts of violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Based on the charge sheets prepared by assistant special prosecutor Jorge Espinal, Abdusakur failed to file his SALNs from 2007 to 2011.

Samier was charged with two counts of the same offense. He reportedly failed to file his SALNs for the year 2010 and 2011.

Bail of P50,000 and P20,000 were recommended for the temporary liberty of Abdusakur and Samier, respectively.

The ombudsman said the charges stemmed from a complaint filed by Temogen Tulawie, who was defeated by Tan’s other son and namesake, Abdusakur Jr., in the 2016 gubernatorial race.

In September 2016, the ombudsman ordered the former governor and his mayor son suspended for six months for their “habitual failure” to file their SALNs.