The Office of the Ombudsman formally charged former Moises Padilla Mayor Francisco Nazareno with graft for failure to disclose businesses on his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) from 2007 to 2010.

According to the Ombudsman, JF Merchandise and Juco Enterprises were registered businesses under his and his wife’s name, respectively; both of which were provided mayor’s permits by Nazareno himself.

The former official was indicted on four counts in violation of Section 8 of RA 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which requires public officials to disclose all pertinent information on their SALN; along with two counts in violation of Section 3(h) of RA 3019, of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which bars officials from direct or indirect involvement in any business or investment where they have a financial interest.

Similarly, last week, the Sandiganbayan Third Division indicted former La Castellana Mayor Alberto A. Nicor, Jr. on three charges of graft after it was discovered he provided permits for businesses registered under his and his wife’s names.

According to Assistant Special Prosecutor III Jorge B. Espinal, who filed the charges against the former mayor, Nicor “took advantage of his position.”

Back in May 2017, Nazareno and his private secretary Adrian Villaflor were also accused of corruption in connection with P90,000 in town funding going towards Liza Enterprises for the 2010 Magayon Festival.

According to an affidavit submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman by municipal accountant Elsie Meguiso, Liza Enterprises is owned by Diana Frias-Nazareno, the wife of Francisco Nazareno, Jr., the former mayor’s son./PLL, WDJ