Leyte councilor dismissed for selling fake receipts

ALBUERA, Leyte, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of a councilor here for selling fake receipts and certificates of appearance during a convention of the Philippine Councilors’ League (PCL) in Davao City last year.

Sergio Batistis was found guilty of serious dishonesty, grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The ombudsman also ordered the cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification from holding public office of Batistis.

Batistis is also barred from taking civil service examinations.

Batistis was collared in an entrapment at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang town in June. Authorities seized P103,500 from his possession.

PCL executive director Wilson Paclibar said Batistis reportedly told the councilors that he was giving them a discounted rate.