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Mayor dismissed over Boracay’s decay

Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of the Aklan mayor in charge of Boracay Island after finding him guilty with charges that led to the environment issues besetting the country’s prime tourist destination.

The country’s graft body found Malay Mayor Ciceron Cawaling guilty of graft, gross neglect of duty, grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of public officials, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service that resulted in Boracay’s environmental problems.

Also dismissed is Jen Salsona, Malay’s business licensing officer.

The DILG served the dismissal order yesterday.

Boracay was closed for six months last month and underwent rehabilitation after President Duterte’s order. In a speech, Duterte said the island — known worldwide for its powdery sand and turquoise clear water — is a “cesspool” due to polluted waters brought about by years of neglect and mismanaged sewerage system.

Interior Undersecretary Epimaco Densing II filed before Ombudsman administrative and criminal complaints against Cawaling, Salsona and 15 other Aklan provincial officials. Charges were dropped against the 15 officials due to lack of evidence.

In a statement, the DILG said Ombudsman found substantial evidence against the two officials for failure to implement laws by allowing establishments in the island to operate even without necessary, fire safety inspection certificate, encroaching on 25+5 meter easement among others.

Cawaling and Salsona have not issued any statement in reaction to their dismissal.

Staff Report

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