DAVAO CITY (July 3) — The Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to charge Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao, Municipal Mayor Bai Zandria Ampatuan, with four counts of violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Records show that Ampatuan failed to file her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) from 2009 to 2011, including her entry SALN upon assuming office as acting mayor in 2009.
In the related administrative case, Ampatuan was found guilty of Simple Neglect of Duty, and was ordered suspended without pay for six months.
Under Section 8 of R.A. No. 6713, public officials and employees have an obligation to accomplish and submit declarations under oath of, and the public has the right to know, their assets, liabilities, net worth and financial and business interests including those of their spouses and of unmarried children under 18 years of age living in their households.-Jiann A, Padillo/NewsLine.ph
