Ombudsman suspends Malay mayor over Boracay's environmental woes

MANILA, Philippines— The Department of Interior and Local Government on Thursday said that the Office of the Ombudsman has suspended Malay Mayor Ciceron Cawaling for supposed neglect of duty that led to Boracay Island’s environmental crisis.

This was confirmed by DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III, according to a report from One News.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año also said his agency will serve the preventive suspension against Cawaling, which is effective today.

Cawaling’s preventive suspension came a day before the island reopens after its six-month rehabilitation. Boracay is within the jurisdiction of Malay, Aklan.

Vice Mayor Abram Sualog will serve as the acting mayor of Malay.

Cases vs 17 local officials

Last June, Densing filed criminal and administrative cases against Cawaling and 16 other officials for allegedly allowing establishments in Boracay to operate despite not complying with requirements and laws.

READ: Raps filed vs 17 officials over Boracay mess

The officials being charged for supposedly “knowingly approving or granting any license, permit, privilege or benefit in favor of any person not qualified for or not legally entitled to such license, permit, privilege or advantage, or of a mere representative or dummy of one who is not so qualified or entitled.”

They may also be administratively held liable for violation of the Local Government Code on their respective powers, duties and functions

The 17 officials respondents to the case include now acting mayor Sualog. He,however, clarified that he only became a vice mayor in 2016 which may no longer cover the supposed illegal permits granted to the establishments in the island.

Boracay island is set to reopen on Friday. The Department of Tourism earlier released names of only 115 hotels that could operate in the island after completing the requirements of the DILG and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The DOT is implementing a “no compliance, no opening” policy to establishments in Boracay.

Infographic: New rules for Boracay reopening