Ombudsman seeks suspension of Capiz mayor

MANILA, Philippines - State prosecutors are asking the Sandiganbayan to suspend a mayor in Capiz for refusing to release the performance bonus of a municipal employee in 2005.

In a motion filed recently, the prosecutors said Mambusao Mayor Jose Alba Jr. refused to sign the performance evaluation report of former municipal budget officer Alma Moises.

The Office of the Ombudsman said Alba was discriminating against Moises, who was an appointee of the previous mayor and political rival of the respondent.

Moises said in 2005, Alba ordered her to prepare the budget for a proposed salary increase for the rank and file employees.

She said she informed him that his order violated a joint circular of the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Budget and Management, which grants salary increases to deserving officials and employees.

Alba reportedly insisted on implementing the order.

For fear of being cited for insubordination, Moises prepared the budget, but the municipal council did not approve it.

She said Alba blamed her for this and removed her from her post.