MANILA, Aug. 11 — The Office of the Ombudsman (Ombudsman) has ordered the dismissal from the service of Pilar, Bohol Mayor Necitas Cubrado after finding her guilty of grave misconduct.

The penalty of dismissal from the service carries the accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification from holding public office, cancellation of eligibility and forfeiture of retirement benefits.

Case records showed that on Aug. 22, 2015, Cubrado authorized the issuance of a certificate granting exemptions to several residents of the municipality from paying fees for the electrical connection of their homes.

“Being the Chief Executive of the Municipality, respondent evidently overstepped the scope of her authority and encroached upon the powers and prerogatives of the Sanguniang Bayan when she granted exemptions to some residents, without, however, securing the prior approval of the SB thereby deliberately disregarding the provisions of the [Local Government Code],” the Ombudsman said in its resolution.

As a result of this illegal issuance, the Ombudsman also ordered the filing before the Sandiganbayan of one count of violation of usurpation of legislative powers against Cubrado.

UPDATE: Ombudsman orders dismissal; Pilar mayor cries foul: ‘too harsh’

Likewise, the Ombudsman ordered the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Office of the Governor of Bohol to implement the dismissal order. (PNA)